Abstract
The effect of Nb2O5 nanoparticles on pure-Fe and Fe-10Cr alloys was studied. For the pure-Fe matrix, Nb2O5 concentrations from 0 to 5.0 wt% were studied to determine the lowest proportion of nanoparticles that promotes a high hardness result. The proportion obtained, 0.5 wt% Nb2O5, was applied to the Fe-10Cr matrix. Both alloys were produced by powder metallurgy, with the Fe10Cr samples undergoing thermomechanical processes including hot forging and annealing after sintering to reduce the remaining porosity. The addition of 0.5 wt% also contributed to reinforcement of Fe-10Cr alloys, even after these treatments. Results were supported by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dilatometry. Furthermore, thermal stability analysis showed that Nb2O5 significantly inhibited the recrystallization process, as evidenced by the hardness test results.
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