In order to examine the sintering behavior in α and γ phases of iron based mixed powder compacts, the sintering of twisted iron and molybdenum wires and wire models of their alloys was studied experimentally. The results obtained were as follows:
(1) The difference of sintering rate between α and γ phases was recognized more clearly in the wire model of their alloys than in mixed powder compacts.
(2) In sintering rate, there exists a linear relationship in logarithmic plot of neck width of wires versus sintering time. The sintering occurred mainly by volume diffusion in both α and γ phases, and additionally by surface diffusion in γ phase at lower temperature.
(3) In the sintering of mixed powder compacts, pores were almost eliminated and rapid shrinkage resulted in the region of α phase over the γ loop where Mo atom had diffused to γ iron phase.
(4) In the sintered compact of mixed powder, relatively large pores were retained by a significant difference between diffusion rates of iron and molybdenum in the interface of the two particles.