Optimization of Sintering Parameters of ...

The sintering studies of submicron cobalt powder have been presented in this paper. Cobalt powder prepared by thermal decomposition route of cobalt oxalate (CoC2O4.2H2O) has been characterized prior to sintering. In this investigation, the influence of various parameters affecting the sintering process has been analyzed and the optimum processing parameters for maximum sintered density have been determined by using Taguchi method. The parameters considered are the decomposition temperature, compaction pressure and sintering temperature. The effects of these input parameters on the response (percentage sintered density) have been critically analyzed using Taguchi method. It has been found that the sintering temperature is the most important process parameter affecting the sintered density. Sintered density near to theoretical density was obtained when the process parameters were set at their optimum values.