Effect of Microwave Sintering Parameters on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Pure Ti and Blended Elemental Ti Alloys

Abstract

Microwave sintering (MWS) was used to consolidate hydride de-hydride Ti powder and blended elemental Ti6Al4V, Ti5Fe and Ti5Al5Mo5V3Cr (Ti5553) powder mixtures. The amount of powders used to prepare the powder compacts was scaled up to 500g.The effect of the MWS conditions on the relative density, porosity distribution, microstructure and tensile properties were studied. Furthermore, uniformity in distribution of the alloying elements was checked. For most of the materials considered, a combinations of sintering temperature of 1200oC and 1300oC and holding time of 5 to 30 min resulted in significantly improved density. Nevertheless sintering temperature of at least 1300oC was required for pore coalescence and high tensile properties.