Austenitic stainless steel by powder metallurgy-promises and problems

Abstract

Production techniques and properties of austenitic stainless steel powders have been described in brief. Influence of oxygen accretion during sintering, factors affecting compressibility and influence of annealing powders have been summarized. Present uses of powder metallurgy stainless steel have been listed and future potential application has been reviewed. Properties of Powder Metallurgy and conventionally produced stainless steels have been compared. Existing literature suggests that reduction of porosity, freedom from oxide and other trace impurities like lead and bismuth etc. are- the key requirements for the development of stainless steel by Powder Metallurgy route. Fully dense Powder Metallurgy par .s arc better corrosion and oxidation resistant and exhibit optimum mechanical properties due to fine grained structures and finer and umform distribution of second phase particlcf. It has been concluded that Stainless Steel Powder Metallurgy should also be considered as one of the areas of growth m this field.