Abstract
Atomization appeared to be the best means of obtaining pre-alloved powders without applying a limitation on composition. However, difficulty in the control of particle shapes has restricted the utilization of pre-alloyed powders produced by that process. The investigation has been therefore made on the water atomization of copper alloys, and subsequently the physical properties of the powders and of their pressed compacts were examined.
The results were summarised as follows : -
(1) Molten copper alloys atomized with water become the irregular particles, and this leads to be low apparent density.
(2) To facilitate to produce compacts of high green strength, it may be necessary for atomized bronze and brass powders to be annealed at an adequate temperature.
(3) High rate of cooling velocity developes quenched phase structure in alloys, particularly with alloys such as bronze and Kelmet that has a considerable gap between the liquidus and the solidus. Particles atomized with water show fine quenched phase structures, in comparison with the particles atomized with gas.
