Comparison of AC to DC current sources for field‐assisted sintering of aluminum alloy 5083 powder

Abstract

AbstractThe viability of resistively sintering aluminum 5083 powder with an alternating current (AC) was explored under both as‐atomized and cryomilled conditions. Samples were processed under an AC field and a direct current (DC) field. Samples processed by both methods exhibited similar microstructures and densities at different die wall temperatures. For as‐atomized powders, similar densities (99% of theoretical [TD]) were achieved at die wall temperatures of 564°C under DC fields and 525°C under AC fields. For cryomilled 5083, densities up to 90% of theoretical were achieved at 550°C under DC fields, while density values 99% of TD were achieved at 500°C under AC fields. Based on these findings, it has been determined that AC fields can be used as an alternative to SPS for achieving optimal density.