Microwave processing of magnesium based materials: A review

Abstract

Magnesium based materials were synthesized and characterized in this study using an innovative hybrid microwave sintering technique. Different nano-size reinforcements comprising of silicon carbide, alumina, yttria, copper and nickel were used to reinforce pure magnesium. Composites were prepared using blend-compact-microwave sintering-extrusion methodology. Results revealed that properties of magnesium can be convincingly enhanced using the said processing methodology and the material formulations selected. Most importantly, the study established the viability of microwave sintering approach used in place of conventional sintering for magnesium based formulations.