Abstract
Spark plasma sintering (SPS) method has been applied for the consolidation and sintering of argon gas atomized powder of Al-25mass%Si-3.5%Fe-3.5%Ni-1%Mg alloy. Through this experiments, firstly, we investigated the sintering process of SPS method for Al alloy powder by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Secondly, we investigated the mechanical properties of near-net-shape formed AI alloy powder by SPS method. Results obtained were as follows:
(1) At the sintering process of SPS, the sample temperature rose faster and it was kept 10 K higher than the temperature of die. After shut off the electric power, sample temperature goes down faster than that of die.
(2) At the very early step of SPS process, each particle of Al alloy gather to dense by slipping and deformation. When sample temperature is up to 650-660 K, necking of particles is formed.
(3) Tensile strength of SPSed compacts is 235 N/mm2, however, this value is increased up to 285 N/mm2 by heat treatment.
