THE INFLUENCE OF CONSOLIDATION PROCEDURE PARAMETERS ON COMPACTION OF AL POWDER

The influence of different consolidation procedures on compaction of Al powders was evaluated. Powder preparation procedures consisted of selection of particle size distribution, cold isostatic pressing (CIP), and vacuum sintering. Processing parameters investigated included the number of compression steps, compression pressure, and sintering temperature and time. Densities of the samples after compression and also after sintering were measured and compared. The overall oxygen content was analysed using by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Phase composition was determined using X-ray. Microhardness measurements were performed to evaluate the degree of compaction. Double-step CIP at 200+300 MPa and subsequent sintering at 500°C for 60 min produced the best combination of properties from all the consolidation technologies of Al particles. Of the particle size ranges studies, those with diameters between 20 and 45 μm produced the best results. Aluminum oxide was present in the structure after all the processing treatments