Sinterability of Cu-Zn Alloy Powders

Cu–Zn alloys have long been used as cast and expanded copper products because they are less expensive than other Cu-based materials and have excellent workability. However, Cu–Zn alloys are not as widely used in powder metallurgy as in casting because of the problem of Zn evaporation at high temperatures. In recent years, few fundamental studies on their sinterability have been reported. In this study, the effects of various sintering conditions on the sinterability of Cu–Zn alloy powders were investigated. As the amount of H2 in the sintering atmosphere increased, the sintering behavior improved and weight loss due to Zn evaporation increased. The decrease in Zn content was particularly pronounced on the sample surface and in the Zn-rich phase. It was also suggested that the Zn partial pressure around the sample contributed to the sinterability and weight loss.