Synthesis and Characterization of Sintered Magnetic Abrasive Particles having Alumina and Carbonyl Iron Powder

Abstract

The present workis focused on compacting, sintering, and characterization of sintered magnetic abrasive particles, which is composed of equal volume fraction of alumina and carbonyl iron powder. Powder metallurgy method is a well-developed technique for manufacturing of ferrous and nonferrous parts. AhO3–CIP composites are prepared through powder metallurgy method. Ball milling is used for mixing powders, and hydraulic Jack with die is used for compacting purpose. Solid and liquid phase sintering is performed at a high temperature tubular furnace under an inert gas atmosphere of argon. Solid and liquid phase sintering is done at 1000°C and 1545°C, respectively in proper consecutive sintering cycle. After sintering, the sintered pallets are crushed using ball miller to obtain the required size of the sintered powder. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy is used for elemental composition of all sintered powders. Vibrating sample magnetometer is used to see the magnetization of the particles. The saturation magnetization of the sintered abrasive obtained at 9–ton compaction pressure is found to be highest. Different phases of all prepared samples are studied using the X-ray diffraction technique. The morphology, as well as particle size, are studied using a scanning electron microscope. Also, the microstructure of sintered powders is studied using an optical microscope. Compression strength test of all sintered pallets is carried out using Universal Testing Machine. Bulk density of the pallets is measured using standard Archimedean principle. It is observed that the bulk density value increases with the compaction load. Micro hardness of the sintered pallets is measured using a Vickers micro hardness measuring instrument. The sintered pallet, fabricated at a compaction pressure of 9 ton shows the highest hardness.