The Isostatic Pressing, Vacuum Sintering, and Swaging of Thorium Powder
The isostatic pressing of calcium-reduced thorium powder into round bars and tubes prior to vacuum sintering and swaging is described. The simple equipment allows powder filling to be carried out in an enclosed system, thus avoiding fire and health hazards at this stage. A number of bars or tubes, or varying length and diameter, can be pressed simultaneously. The technique has certain advantages over conventional die compacting. The effect of pressure on density and hardness through the bar section before and after sintering at various temperatures was studied, and the optimum conditions were determined for the manufacture of dense bars with high metal efficiencies (98%). Details are given of the microstructure and mechanical properties of thorium bars in the sintered, swaged, and annealed conditions.
- Research Organization:
- Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, Eng.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-005350
- OSTI ID:
- 4084462
- Journal Information:
- Powder Metallurgy, Journal Name: Powder Metallurgy Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 3; ISSN 0032-5899
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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