Enhanced Sintering of Iron Compacts by The Addition of TiO2

TiO₂was introduced into Fe compacts by adding primary TiO₂ powders and by forming oxides from Ti containing chemicals. The processing methods included dry pressing and powder injection molding. It was found that sintered densities varied with the process and the characteristics of TiO₂. An increase of 5% in sintered density, contrary to previous studies, was obtained by adding 0.025wt% TiO₂ and using the powder injection molding technique. Dilatometry and microstructures showed that TiO₂ enhanced densification by impeding early stage sintering, delaying phase transformation, and preventing exaggerated grain growth.