Densification and magnetic properties of fe powder compacts according to heat-treatment conditions

In this study, the effects of heat-treatment conditions of Fe powder compacts on densification, microstructure, strength and magnetic properties were investigated. The prepared Fe powder was compressed in a mold of diameter 20 mm at a pressure of 800 MPa for 30 sec. This Fe powder compact was heat-treated under different atmospheres (air and 90% Ar + 10% H2 and heat-treatment temperatures (300 and 700 degrees C). The Fe powder compacts heat-treated in an Ar+H2 mixed gas atmosphere showed a denser microstructure and higher density than the Fe powder compacts heat-treated in an air atmosphere. Oxygen content in the heat-treatment conditions played a significant role in the improvement of the densification and magnetic properties.