Patent ID: 6280683
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B22F,C08K,C09D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of preparing a segregation resistant and dust resistant metallurgical powder composition, comprising:(a) providing a mixture of metal-based powder and at least one alloying powder;(b) blending with said metal-based powder and said at least one alloying powder a binding agent, in the absence of a solvent, to form an initial blend, where the binding agent is a solid, low melting polymer or wax having a softening temperature below 150.degree. C., and wherein the binding agent has an average particle size in at least one direction of 50 microns or less;(c) raising the temperature of the initial blend to at least 50.degree. C. but below the melting point of the binding agent to effect bindingbetween the metal-based powder and the at least one alloying powder by the binding agent; and(d) lowering the temperature of the mixture to ambient temperture to thereby form the metallurgical powder composition,wherein the metal-based powder is present in an amount of at least 80 percent by weight, the alloying powder is present in an amount of between about 0.25 and about 4 percent by weight, and the binding agent is present in an amount between about 0.25 and about 2 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the metallurgical powder composition.