Structural and mechanical properties of microwave hybrid sintered aluminium silicon carbide composite

Microwave material processing is recognized for many advantages, namely, substantial reduction in cycle time resulting in large energy savings, selective and volumetric heating, providing fine microstructure, improved mechanical properties and eco-friendliness. In our experiment, we have converted a conventional microwave into a microwave hybrid sintering furnace to microwave hybrid sintering, results improved densification of metal-matrix composite. In the present study, the composite of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with SiC particles was sintered by varying the composition of SiC. The microstructure and mechanical properties of AMCs were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and hardness. The results show as the amount of SiC was increasing in the compacts; the hardness was increasing and was varying between 50 and 60 HRF. SEM analysis shows uniform distribution of silicon carbide in the aluminium matrix. XRD analysis shows the presence of SiC, aluminium and aluminium oxide as foreign impurity due to some oxidation. These compositions were also confirmed by the EDX analysis. The composite sintered density was changed from 2.323 to 2.583 gm/cm(3). It is concluded, using microwave hybrid sintering, improved mechanical and physical properties can be obtained of metal-matrix composite.