Abstract
Metal matrix composites of Al-WC (10, 15 and 20 wt%) were prepared by microwave (without holding) and conventional sintering (held for 1 hour) processes at various temperatures between 650-950 °C. The results indicated that the highest density of conventional and microwave sintering corresponds to 97.4 ± 1.2% and 98.6 ± 0.8 of theoretical density, respectively; The highest bending strength of conventional and microwave sintered samples were 223 ± 12 and 256 ± 12 MPa, respectively. XRD patterns showed the decomposition of WC particles and formation of Al5W and Al12W interfacial reaction product phases in both processes. SEM studies showed that WC reinforcement particles were more likely to be agglomerated in microwave compared to conventional sintering process.
Highlights
Particulate reinforced aluminum matrix composites (PRAMC) have received considerable attention because of high specific modulus, low coefficient of thermal expansion, good wear resistance and their high specific strength
The PRAMCs have been usually produced via powder metallurgy and casting, while achieving a homogenous distribution of reinforcement in the base alloy in comparison with casting technique[1]
High conductivity and high toughness accompanied by a low price made aluminum as one of the best materials in some metal matrix composites in comparison with other light metals such as magnesium (Mg)[2]
Summary
Particulate reinforced aluminum matrix composites (PRAMC) have received considerable attention because of high specific modulus, low coefficient of thermal expansion, good wear resistance and their high specific strength. These brilliant properties of PRAMC make them promising candidates for use in aerospace and automobile industries. The rate of grain growth decreases due to a decrease in sintering time. Gnanasundarajayaraja[2] investigated the effect of WC additions on aluminum metal matrix sintering by conventional heating. The resulting microstructure and mechanical properties of final composites sintered by conventional and microwave methods have been investigated
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