Direct consolidation of titanium hydride powders

Abstract

Powder metallurgy (PM) is a favorable alternative for the production of titanium components, which enables the obtainment of near net shape parts with microstructural homogeneity and controlled porosity.Among the existent titanium PM techniques, the direct consolidation using titanium hydride powders is a cost effective and eco-friendly alternative due the dehydrogenation of powders during the sintering step. Moreover, the output of hydrogen improves the densification and promotes the formation of a finer and better distributed porosity. The Materials Division (AMR) from the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) of the Aerospace Science and Technology Department (DCTA) has a very active research group in the field of titanium PM. Since the beginning of its activities in 1999, the focus of the research has been the study of titanium alloys obtained from the direct sintering of TiH2 for applications in aerospace and implant materials. With the progress made over the years, recently the group has been seeking to adapt their processes to what is practiced in the PM industry, in particular in the manufacturing of sintered parts of iron-based powders. The intention is to direct the acquired knowledge towards the development of a process which enables the serial manufacturing of components using TiH2. From this perspective, the aim of this project is to study the direct consolidation of titanium components through a "press and sinter" process using TiH2 powders produced in DCTA. For that, a series of experiments are planned, including the control of powders characteristics (particle size, interstitial elements and flowability); compaction tests; sintering and characterization of samples (densification, shrinkage and microstructural evolution). Currently, part of the infrastructure for the accomplishment of the work is already available at AMR. This proposal seeks the investment in some equipments and materials for the development of research in the area of titanium materials, which are recognizably considered as highly important economic, scientific and technological. (AU)