Titanium alloys are extensively used in high-temperature applications due to their excellent high strength and corrosion resistance properties. However, titanium alloys are problematic because they tend to be extremely difficult-tocut material. In this paper, the powder synthesis, spark plasma sintering (SPS), bulk material characteristics and machinability test of hybrid Ti₂AlC ceramic bulk materials were systematically examined. The bulk samples mainly consisted of Ti₂AlC materials with density close to theoretical value were synthesized by a SPS method. Random orientation and good crystallization of the Ti₂AlC was observed at 1100°C for 10 min under SPS sintering conditions. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated a homogeneous distribution and nano-laminated structure of Ti₂AlC MAX phase. The hardness and electrical conductivity of Ti₂AlC were higher than that of Ti 6242 alloy at sintering temperature of 1000°C~1100°C. Consequently, the machinability of the hybrid Ti₂AlC bulk materials is better than that of the Ti 6242 alloy for micro-EDM process of micro-hole shape workpiece.

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• Evaluation of Material Characteristics with Sintering Temperature in Ti2AlC MAX Phase Material using Spark Plasma Sintering Method
  Chang-Hun Lee, Gyung Rae Baek, Hee Sang Jung, Young-Keun Jeong, Myung Chang Kang
  Journal of Korean Powder Metallurgy Institute.2015; 22(3): 175.     CrossRef

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.