Recent Advancements in Copper Infiltration Applied to Sintered Steel

Abstract

Sintered steel is widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction machinery, due to its notable attributes such as high precision, wear resistance, efficient material utilization, and cost-effectiveness. However, the presence of pores hinders sintered steel from achieving a fully dense state, thereby restricting its broader applications. Copper infiltration enables the reduction or elimination of pores, minimizes stress concentration, and prevents microcrack formation. Consequently, this process significantly enhances the material’s density and mechanical properties, particularly its dynamic mechanical characteristics such as impact toughness and fatigue performance. This paper provides an overview of the copper infiltration development history in sintered steel, summarizes the factors including substrate, infiltrant, and infiltration process, and highlights the research progress in copper infiltration application in sintered steel. Furthermore, challenges associated with copper-infiltrated sintered steel are discussed, and recommendations for future development are presented.