Study on conventional and microwave assisted sintering of Cu-FA composites

In this study we have diligently made efforts to reinforce Copper (Cu) with Fly Ash (FA) via Powder metallurgical path to form Cu- FA composite. We have critically investigated the effects of sintering mode on Cu-FA composite properties and variation of mechanical properties with change in weight percentage of FA in the composite. The sintering effect of Cu-FA pellets of 3, 6 and 9 wt% of FA in a microwave furnace of 2.5 GHz was compared with that processed in a conventional furnace. The elemental analysis and morphology of the prepared samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and optical images. Results indicated a rise in hardness values with the increase of fly ash in composite up to 6 wt% and then a drop down in value to that of pure Cu due to exposure of Cu matrix during sintering. Wear rate decreases with increase of fly ash in composite. Our results imperatively showed microwave sintered samples were observed to be superior in mechanical properties like hardness, wear resistance as well as densification response compared to their conventional counterparts. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.