| Abstract: | Bulk iron nitride can be synthesized from iron nitride powder by spark
plasma sintering. The iron nitride can be spark plasma sintered at a
temperature of less than 600.degree. C. and a pressure of less than 600
MPa, with 400 MPa or less most often being sufficient. High pressure SPS
can consolidate dense iron nitrides at a lower temperature to avoid
decomposition. The higher pressure and lower temperature of spark
discharge sintering avoids decomposition and limits grain growth,
enabling enhanced magnetic properties. The method can further comprise
synthesis of nanocrystalline iron nitride powders using two-step reactive
milling prior to high-pressure spark discharge sintering. |