Abstract
The influence of the carbon introduction method on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of sinters produced from iron-based powders by diffusion-alloying sintering has been studied. Two methods of carbon introduction were tested: (1) Premixing of the base powder with graphite, and (2) Coating of the base powder with a carbon-containing substance. The results obtained could be summarized as (1) The microstructure and the mechanical properties depend on the method of carbon introduction; (2) The sinters produced from coated powders possess finer micro-structure, improved homogeneity, and in two out of three of the studied compositions, better mechanical properties. Based on the results obtained, a reasonable assumption was made that the method of carbon introduction affects the dissolution rate of the carbon additive, thus affecting the micro-structure and the mechanical properties of the sinter.