Microstructural characterization of NbC and S290 tool steel mixtures sintered using Spark plasma sintering (SPS) process

• Grant number: 18/04822-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2018
• End date: May 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Processes
• Principal Investigator: Izabel Fernanda Machado
• Grantee: Giovana Paleari Cassini
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project of under graduation research aims to characterize the microstructure of NbC and S290 tool steel mixtures, which were consolidated using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). In particular, the S290 tool steel contains high mass fractions of alloying elements. Previous work has shown that different volume fractions of NbC and S290 did not present an expected densification, only 84% of full densified material using SPS technique. However, an improvement in the mixture process could produce an almost full dense material. Therefore, in this research project mixtures of NbC and S290 steel are proposed to reach a satisfactory density. Methodology of mixture preparation is presented and samples will be sintered using SPS. The sample will be characterized from the microstructural, mechanical and tribological aspects. Characterization will be conducted by scanning electron microscopy, Raman Spectroscopy and microhardness. It is worth mentioning that material sintered can be used as a tool in the deformation process. The student Giovana Paleari Cassini is enrolled in the Graduation Course of Materials Engineering, Escola Politécnica, at University of São Paulo.