Energy efficient sintering of Al/Cu nanocomposites using different microwave power levels

Abstract

Pure Al and Al/Cu nanocomposites were fabricated by integrating pure aluminum with nano copper reinforcement using powder metallurgy route incorporating energy efficient microwave assisted rapid sintering technique. The composites were subjected to different microwave power levels during sintering. Microstructural characterization studies revealed the presence of minimal porosity and reasonably uniform distribution of the reinforcement in the nanocomposites. Mechanical characterization revealed that the maximum strength is achieved for composite sintered at 50% microwave power level while the highest ductility is achieved for composite sintered at 30% power level. The best overall combination of mechanical properties assessed in terms of the work of fracture was realized in the composite sintered at 100 % microwave power level. An attempt is made in the present study to correlate the effect of different microwave power levels on the characteristics of Al/Cu nanocomposites.