| Abstract Scope |
Powder attributes, including purity, size distribution, and sphericity, all have a major impact on the quality of final parts produced by hot isostatic pressing. This study investigated microstructure changes and oxygen concentration of 316H stainless steel powder after heat treatment. The powder was produced by atomization. Optical microscopy revealed particle size distribution ranging from 20 to 220µm. Powder particles underwent vacuum heat treatment for 2h (at 1150ºC and 6h at both 1000 and 1150ºC. Grain size and oxygen concentration were measured using SEM, TEM, and combustion analysis. The relationship between grain size, temperature, and time is explained by the Arrhenius equation and classic laws. Meanwhile, heat-treated sample showed lower oxygen concentration. These findings report initial studies of heat treatment of powders for hot isostatic pressing. Future work will make use of these powders to produce finished parts, and the correlations between powder quality and component properties will be further linked. |