Microstructural Evolution of Injection Molded Gas and Water Atomized 316L Stainless Steel Powder During Sintering

Koseski, R. P., Suri, P., Erhardt, N. B., German, R., & Kwon, Y. S. (2003). Microstructural Evolution of Injection Molded Gas and Water Atomized 316L Stainless Steel Powder During Sintering. Proceedings Sintering 2003, R. G. Cornwall, R. M. German, and G. L. Messing (eds), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

Abstract

The present study investigates the microstructural evolution and densification behavior of water and gas atomized 316L stainless steel powder. Dilatometry and quenching studies were conducted to determine the extent of densification and corresponding microstructural changes. Results indicate that water atomized powder could be sintered to 97% of theoretical density while gas atomized powders could be sintered to near full density. The difference in the densification behavior is examined in terms of the particle morphology, initial green density and the particle chemistry.