EFFECT OF SINTERING TEMPERATURES ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF Ti-6Al-4V ALLOY USING POWDER INJECTION MOLDING (PIM)

Abstract

Binder system consisting of palm stearin (PS) and low linear density polyethylene (LLDPE) were mixed with Ti-6Al-4V alloy powder to prepare feedstock. Ti-6Al-4V compacts were fabricated by powder injection molding (PIM). Influence of vacuum sintering temperature on mechanical properties and microstructure of the sintered compact at 1100 °C, 1150 °C, 1200 °C and 1250 °C with 4 hours soaking were investigated. The experimental results show that the compact sintered, made from 100% gas atomized powder (average particle size is 16 µm), have a relative density of 92.6% 98.5%; the range of hardness value around 336-391 Hv; ultimate tensile strength of 361-830 Mpa; and a lower elongation (<2%). >