Chapter 1 - Powder Characterization and Testing

Abstract

This chapter represents the techniques of powder characterization and the testing of technological parameters coupled with the physical properties necessary to evaluate the behavior of powder during powder metallurgy (PM) processing. Apparent density, tap density, granulometric composition, particle shape, particle morphology, specific surface, porosity, frictional properties, angle of repose, permeability, fluidization, segregation, flow rate of powders, compressibility, and green strength are referred to as the physical-technological properties of powders, the testing techniques of which are detailed in this chapter. The peculiarities of using optical microscopy and electron microscopy for powder analysis and optimum choice and the use of apparatuses are considered, including particle size analysis by optical microscopy, metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transition electron microscopy (TEM); chemical microanalysis by SEM and electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA); surface analysis by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS); and bulk chemical analysis by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), inert gas fusion, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS).