Research on microstructure and properties of Fe-Mo-(Ni/Cu)-graphite composite prepared by powder metallurgy technology

Fe-Mo-Ni-graphite (FMNG) and Fe-Mo-Cu-graphite (FMCG) composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy technology. The effects of Ni and Cu elements on microstructure, composition, hardness, and compressive strength of the prepared composite were investigated. Experimental results show that, the composites are mainly composed of pearlite, ferrites, bainite, Mo₂C and Fe₃Mo₃C strengthening phases, and clustered graphite. The hardness and compressive strength are improved by heat treatment. The hardness of FMCG is lower than that of FMNG. The compressive strength of FMCG is higher than that of FMCG. It is suggested that, the addition of Ni and Cu and the heat treatment can affect the microstructure and properties of the materials.