Belgrade : University of Belgrade - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Mechanical activation represents a very useful technique for powder processing prior to sintering process. First of all, it makes powders homogenized, leads to attrition of powder particles, and makes powder mixtures more reactive. Secondly, it can lead to mechano-chemical reaction, and finally, lowering of sintering time and temperature. Mixtures of ZrO2 and C were mechanically activated by high-energy ball milling. Powders were milled for times from 0 to 120 minutes in air atmosphere. Mechanically activated powder mixtures were characterized by various techniques, such as particle size analysis (PSA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and diffraction scanning calorimetry along with thermo gravimetry (DSC-TGA). As milling time increased, surface area of powders increased, indicating significant particle size reduction. Mechanical activation for 15 minutes provides the best balance between particle size reduction and reactivity for the powders
