Metal-Glass Composite Material

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to create a metal-glass composite material as well as to examine the possibility of using this composite material for industrial application. Powder of commercial austenitic stainless steel (SURFIT TM 316L) of the diameter from 45 to 65 µm was used in this the experiment. The steel powder of the spherical shape is obtained by atomization od gas. The source of glass was basalt rock from the locality "Vrelo" Kopaonik, Republic of Serbia, due to relative low melting point and low viscosity. Composite materials were manufactured by mechanical mixing steel powders with fresh crushed basal rock in diameter below 45 µm. Mixture of basalt content of 10, 30 and 50 wt.% were prepared. Green compacts were obtained by pressing under pressure of 150 MPa using a steel mold. Thermal treatment is done at 1250 ⁰C for 30, 45 and 60 minutes in a vacuum furnace. Starting powder as well as sintered composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction method (XRD). Morphology of powders and microstructural development were followed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical properties were investigated by Vickers hardness.