Improving mechanical and wear properties of PM 316L with emery powder addition

PM 316L based composites reinforced with emery powder in amounts of 5,10 and 15 vol.% were produced. WA 316L powder was sieved-45 microns and fine emery powder have APS of 10 micron. Emery powders contain corundum, hematite, other phases such as Fe-bearing aluminosilicate phase and calcite. The mixed powders were compacted by uniaxial press at 700 MPa, and sintered conventionally at 1250oC for 1h using Ar/H2 95/5% as sintering atmosphere. Mechanical properties were evaluated with bend tests. Ball-on-plate wear tests were performed using alumina balls. Porosity was determined using Archimedes method. Microstructures and wear scars were characterized by SEM. In conclusion, 5 vol.% emery powder reinforcement yields higher strength and densification than 316L samples, since 316L/EP interfaces provide good bonding by glassy phase presence. According to wear tests, 5 and 10% addition results in improved wear resistance as wear losses were reduced and friction coefficients were increased