Microstructure, Phase Transformation, Precipitation Behavior and Mechanical Properties of P/M Cu40Zn-1.0Â wt% Ti Brass Alloy via Spark Plasma Sintering and Hot Extrusion

The effect of titanium addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of brass Cu40Zn has been studied via the powder metallurgy (P/M) route. The water-atomized Cu40Zn-1.0 wt% Ti alloy powder was consolidated at different temperatures in the range of 400-600 °C using spark plasma sintering (SPS) and hot extrusion subsequently. Results show that the super-saturated solid solution titanium element in rapidly cooled brass Cu40Zn powder created high chemical potential for a precipitate reaction, showing significant grain refinement effects on the consolidated Cu40Zn matrix. Consequently, excellent mechanical properties were obtained by precipitation hardening and work hardening after sintering and extrusion, with yield strength of 390 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 617 MPa, and Vickers micro-hardness of 192 HV, which are 28.7%, 23.4%, and 23.9% higher values than those of extruded Cu40Zn brass, respectively.