Characterization of casting iron powder from recycled swarf

In this work a study of recycling about gray cast iron chips from machining process and its use as a starting material in the powder metallurgy process is presented. This investigation is focused in the complete characterization of the obtained powders from a detailed study of mechanical grinding efficiency of this swarf. Both, recrystallizing annealing heat treatment and decarburization process of the powders were realized. Also, a study of dilution with pure iron was done, with the purpose to improve the final powder physical characteristics, such as compressibility and sintering. The powder properties were evaluated by optical and scanning electron microscopies, X-ray difratometry and dilatometry techniques. The results achieved are promising associated to viability of gray cast iron swarf recycling and their posterior utilization, in the powder form, as a starting material for the fabrication of many sintered components.