Liquid phase sintering of the commercial 2xxx series Al blended powder

Abstract

The sintering characteristics of a commercial 2xxx series Al blended powder were studied with respect to compacting pressure, sintering time and temperature. The optimum compacting pressure and sintering temperature were determined to be 200 MPa and 610 degrees C. The powder sintered at 550 degrees C had a sintered density of 89.7% of the theoretical value. At a sintering temperature of 610 degrees C and a sintering time of 0 min, the density of sintered powder was 91.6%. The sintered density increased up to 93.2% when the sintering time was increased to 600 min at 610 degrees C. Both transient and supersolidus liquid phases were formed during the sintering process. The transient liquid phase diffused into the Al matrix during the heating stage. It was concluded that the supersolidus liquid improved the sinterability of the powder during the sintering process.