Effect of temperature on the behaviour of lubricants during powder compaction

The study of the influence of temperature on the performance of admixed lubricants is important since higher densities are desired while keeping the ejection force at a reasonable level. Therefore, three lubricants admixed with iron powder were evaluated during compaction at 25,65, and 110 C. An instrumented die permitting the measurement of the applied and transmitted pressures through the compact lead to the evaluation of the slide coefficient. This empirical parameter is related to the stress ratio and to the friction coefficient characterising the friction of the compact on the die wall. The evolution of the slide coefficient revealed a different behaviour at the beginning of compaction, where a higher shear resistance is desirable, compared with the end of compaction, which was more influenced by the amount of lubricant at the interface between the compact and the die wall. A too low shear resistance at that stage could however lead to stick-slip phenomenon.