Influence of the oxide phase on the process of inflation of composition from highly dispersed porous iron

The article describes a new technology for the production of steel parts for structural purposes. The technology is based on molding mixtures of iron powders, iron oxide powders and a binder. Technological processes include the processes of vacuum reduction of iron oxide and a binder material with subsequent sintering of the mixture. The study of the features of the brass infiltration process is carried out on highly porous iron-based blanks with pore sizes less than 1 μm with various percentages of the starting components. The analysis of the structures and mechanical properties of materials obtained on the basis of the developed technology has been performed. The mechanism of infiltration of highly iron-based preforms based on iron obtained by casting from the compositions “iron-iron oxide-phenol-formaldehyde resin” obtained in three stages is established. Recommendations have been developed for the pilot production of products of complex shape from iron-based metal powders, including of casting molding operations, oxide reduction and sintering operations, followed by brass infiltration and heat treatment of the products. The introduction of new technology makes it possible to produce products of complex shapes with a high level of mechanical properties, improved dimensional accuracy and lower cost.