Influence of milling parameters on the manufacturing of Fe–TiCN composite powders

Composite powders of iron with titanium carbonitride (TiCN) have been prepared by a high-energy milling route. High-energy milling was performed under different conditions, to study the influence of several parameters in the characteristics of the final powder. The parameters studied were the type of mill, the milling atmosphere, and the milling time. A proper characterisation of powders is necessary and it was carried out by different means: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the particle morphology and microstructure; X-ray diffraction (XRD) to find possible transformations during the milling; chemical analyses to determine the percentage of oxygen, carbon and nitrogen; and particle size distribution. A study of pressing has also been done to find out the possibility of further processing. Intimate mixing of powders was achieved, as well as good compaction characteristics, results that give an interesting potential for future uses.