Evolution of properties and densification behavior during sintering of brass Cu-20Zn prepared from prealloyed powder

The aim of this study is the necessity of applying optimal fabrication condition of Cu-20Zn alloy to increase the capability of controlling its properties, since physical and mechanical properties and microstructural changes of this alloy depend on trivial changes in sintering temperature. For this purpose, water atomized prealloyed brass powder, with average particle size of 40 to 100 μm, was compacted under pressure of 600 MPa and sintered at the temperature range of 900 to 950°C in Aratmosphere. The results of the density and dimensional changes measurement, hardness and impact energy testing show that the optimum sintering temperature is 930°C. Moreover, microstructural and fractographic analysis is in a good agreement with obtained physical and mechanical properties. The amount of liquid phase, which depends on sintering temperature, results in different load bearing cross section areas, also it affects the type of fracture morphology (transgranular or intergranular

Keywords:

Cu-20Zn alloy , supersolidus liquid phase sintering , optimum sintering temperature