Development of Thin Sheets from Fe-P Alloys through P/M Technique

Cracks due to segregation of Fe3P along the grain boundaries is a major problem in working of Fe-P alloys, processed in conventional wrought route. The present work deals with development of binary Fe-P alloys with varying content of phosphorus (in the range 0.1-0.35%) through powder metallurgical technique to obtain better mechanical properties without the problem of segregation. These alloys were processed into thin sheets by hot forging and rolling. The developed Fe-P alloy sheets were characterized in terms of microstructure, porosity and mechanical properties. Strength and hardness of Fe-P alloys increased with increase in phosphorus content and ductility slightly decreased. It has been observed that thin sheets of Fe-P alloys (with phosphorus as high as 0.25 wt %) with high strength and moderate ductility can be obtained through powder metallurgy route and these alloys are free from embrittlement during working due to elimination of segregation problem.