STRENGTHENING METHOD FOR GREEN FORM PARTS MADE FROM METAL POWDER

摘要

A method of strengthening green form parts made from metal powder requires t he use of a cross-linkable polymer which, when cross-linking has been induced, retains its mechanical properties to a degree sufficient to prevent fracture or significant deformation of the green form part when subjected to heat sufficient to induce phase transformation and carbonization. The polymer is incorporated into a green form part (20) and cross-linking induced (30), giving the green part additional strength which enables it to endure the consolidation process (40) without failing. The required polymer can be part of the powder blend used to form the green form part, and induced to cross- link with heat (170) or radiation (180). Alternatively, the green form part can be dipped in a thermoset resin that cross-links when cured (100).