Archives of Metallurgy and Materials (Dec 2017)
The Effect of Mn Content on the Structure and Properties of PM Mn Steels
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine how a reduction of Mn content in PM steels will affect their plastic and strength properties. The results of mechanical, metallographic and fractography tests of sintered (PM) steels containing 1% and 2% Mn are reported and compared with those for 3% Mn PM steel. Höganäs iron powder grade NC 100.24, low-carbon ferromanganese Elkem and graphite powder grade C-UF were used as the starting powders. Powder mixes Fe-(1-2)%Mn-0.8%C were prepared in a Turbula mixer for 30 minutes. Following mixing, “dog bone” compacts were single pressed at 660 MPa, according to PN-EN ISO 2740 standard. Sintering of compacts was carried out in a laboratory tube furnace at 1120°C and 1250°C for 60 minutes in a mixture of 95%N2 – 5%H2 in a semi-closed container. Three types of heat treatment were then used: sinterhardening (cooling rate – 66°C/min), slow furnace cooling (cooling rate 3.5°C/min) and tempering at 200°C. The studies have shown a beneficial effect of the reduction of manganese on plastic properties (up to 7.96%), while maintaining fracture strengths (UTSs) comparable to those of steel with higher contents of manganese. Currently detailed studies of steel containing 1%Mn are conducted.
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