Development of Al and Al/Cu (composite/alloy) formulations with enhanced properties through microwave power variations during hybrid sintering

Abstract

In this study, the microwave power level during sintering was used as a processing variable to develop a metastable Al-Cu composite and an Al-Cu alloy from a common starting Al/Cu formulation. Both materials exhibited a superior combination of properties when compared with conventional Al-based composites. The results clearly revealed that microwaves provide a viable option to sinter pure aluminium and aluminium-copper formulation which is otherwise difficult due to the presence of an adherent and defect free aluminium oxide layer on aluminium powder particles. © 2008 IOP Publishing Ltd.