Early stage consolidation mechanisms during hot isostatic pressing of Ti–6Al–4V powder compacts

Mechanisms contributing to early stage compaction of metal powder compacts were identified in a series of Ti–6Al–4V powder compacts hot isostatically pressed to relative densities ranging from 71% to 100%. The partially dense compacts, consolidated from loose powder in thin-walled containers, were examined using optical microscopy of polished sections and stereo pair scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces. Relative particle motion, characterized by small relative movements of particles and clusters of particles, was found to contribute significantly to compaction over a broad range of relative densities (from 63% to 90%). A mechanism was identified by which the preferential deformation of small particles at large–small particle contacts enables rigid body motion of larger particles which, in turn, increases the relative density of the compact. Tensile fractures within the compact occurred between 82% and 90% relative density providing direct evidence of cooperative movement among clusters of particles. In comparisons with mechanistic powder compaction models, measurements of particle deformation, contact areas, and coordination numbers were found to substantiate the importance of the experimentally identified mechanisms.