Effect of Carbon Addition on Mechanical Properties and Dry Sliding Behavior of Fe-0.65P Alloy Processed by Powder Forging

Abstract

The present work reports the effect of addition of 0.2 wt.% C on the microstructure, mechanical properties and dry sliding wear of Fe-0.65 wt.% P-based alloy prepared by hot powder forging. The presence of phosphorus (P) leads to loss of ductility in steels which may be overcome by use of the reported powder forging route as well as addition of C in processing of Fe–P alloys. In this study, the iron-phosphate (master alloy) powder containing 5 wt.% P was prepared by a chemical route. The master alloy powder was then mixed with water-atomized Fe powder, while carbon was added in the form of graphite powder. The mixed powders were filled in a mild steel (M.S) capsule and heated at 1323 K in tubular furnace in the presence of flowing hydrogen atmosphere. The heated capsule was hot-forged at 1323 K and further homogenized at the same temperature for two hours. Strength and hardness increased on addition of 0.20 wt.% carbon in Fe-0.65 wt.% P alloy without loss in ductility. Friction and wear properties under dry sliding wear conditions have also been found to improve with the addition of carbon. Wear results have been discussed and correlated with observed microstructure and mechanical properties.