Manganese in Powder Metallurgy Steels

The monograph introduces the data about the mechanical properties of sintered manganese steels published since 1948 up to the present time. The effect of all possible material, alloying and sintering factors on the properties of manganese steels which are in most cases on the level of those alloyed with nickel is discussed. The sintering of the steels was successfully carried out under laboratory and industrial conditions not fulfilling the thermodynamic requirements for the Mn-O system. The reduction - (self cleaning) effect of manganese vapour for the sintering atmosphere formed by sublimation due to manganese high vapour pressure is presented as the only possible mechanisms under which the sintering of manganese-containing steels takes place. It is stated conclusively that sintering under this mechanisms occurs without demanganisation and decarburization of the compacts in the atmosphere with the low dew point contrary to that with a high dew point adversely affecting the sintering and alloying process.