Sintering of Aluminum Alloys: Microwave and Conventional

Most of the powder metallurgical research on particulate aluminum alloys has been focused on optimizing composition. However, the role of process parameters on sinterability of prealloyed powders still remains to be critically evaluated. First part of the study logically evaluates the effect of sintering atmosphere (nitrogen, argon and vacuum) and temperature on sintered density, electrical, electrochemical and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Mg, Al-Mg-Si and Al-Zn-Mg alloys. The effect of heat treatment (T4, T6 and T8 tempers) on microstructure and properties was also investigated. In an attempt to make the process less energy intensive and control the grain growth at higher temperature, in second part of the study, higher heating rates were implemented using multimode microwave (2.45 GHz and 6kW) furnace. Microstructural changes and properties were compared between microwave and conventional heated compacts. This book should help to shed some knowledge on new processing technologies, interaction of microwave with conductive materials and especially useful to researchers, professionals and students working in the field of aluminum powder metallurgy and microwave processing.