INFLUENCE OF SINTERING TEMPERATURE AND COMPACTION PRESSURE ON COPPER PELLETS PRODUCED BY POWDER METALLURGY

Abstract

Powder metallurgy is a manufacturing technique for metal components through the compression and sintering of metal powders. Copper has been used in powder metallurgy for technological and scientific advancements due to its excellent electrical and mechanical properties. Therefore, this study aims to understand the behavior and properties of pure copper powder during the compaction and sintering stages of pure copper pellets. For pellet formation, the compaction pressure varied between 187.5 MPa and 700 MPa. Sintering was performed in a tubular furnace with and without atmosphere control, with temperature variations of 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C. A compaction pressure of 700 MPa resulted in a relative density higher than 95%. Sintering temperature and atmosphere control proved to be crucial for achieving better densification results.