Surface Fluorination of Aluminum-Bronze Powder Using Fluorine Gas and its Sintering Property

Abstract

The sintering and mechanical properties of CuAl powder fluorinated with fluorine gas (F₂) were investigated. XPS results proved the creation of Al₂O₃, AlF₃, CuF and CuF₂ on the surface of samples after surface fluorination. The sintering property of CuAl powders was improved by surface fluorination at below 473 K and 0.1 MPa (F₂). As a result, the mechanical strength of sintered compact of sample fluorinated at 373 K was 528 MPa higher than that (119 MPa) of untreated sample. However, the mechanical property of sample fluorinated at 573 K was fade due to the formation of thick fluoride on the surface of samples. To improve the sintering and mechanical properties of CuAl powders, the control of surface fluorination is very important in this study.