Equilibria and Kinetics of Gas–Metal Reactions During Sintering of Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract

AbstractAbstractReactions involving the removal of oxygen and carbon from AISI 316L stainless steel during sintering have been investigated by monitoring the chemical composition of the sintering atmosphere by mass spectrometry and photoacoustic spectrometry. Thermochemical calculations of reactions and stability of oxides were performed using Thermo-Calc. Compacts of powder with and without the addition of carbon were sintered at 1120°C and 1250°C in hydrogen and in a vacuum. The reduction of oxides is enhanced by carbon addition and a high sintering temperature. Sintering in a vacuum leads to the lowest carbon content. PM/0626