Ni wires with a diameter and length of 0.4 and 100 mm, respectively, and a purity of 99.9% are electrically exploded at 25 cycles per minute. The Ni nanopowders are successfully synthesized by a pulsed wire evaporation (PWE) method, in which Ar gas is used as the ambient gas. The characterization of the nanopowders is carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a high-resolution transmission electronmicroscope (HRTEM). The Ni nanopowders are classified for a multilayer ceramic condenser (MLCC) application using a type two Air-Centrifugal classifier (model: CNI, MP-250). The characterization of the classified Ni nanopowders are carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and particle size analysis (PSA) to observe the distribution and minimum classification point (minimum cutting point) of the nanopowders.

The connecting rod is one of the most important parts in automotive engines, transforming the reciprocal motion of a piston generated by internal combustion into the rotational motion of a crankshaft. Recent advances in high performance automobile engines demand corresponding technological breakthroughs in the materials for engine parts. In the present research, the powder metallurgy (P/M) process was used to replace conventional quenching and/or tempering processes for mass production and ultimately for more cost-efficient manufacturing of high strength connecting rods. The development of P/M alloy powder was undertaken not only to achieve the improvement in mechanical properties, but also to enhance the machinability of the P/M processed connecting rods. Specifically MoS₂ powders were added as lubricants to non-normalizing Fe-Cr-Mn-V-C alloy powder to improve the post-sintering machinability. The effects of MoS₂ addition on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and machining characteristics were investigated.