WC-Co Particles Reinforced Aluminum Matrix by Conventional and Microwave Sintering

Abstract

Metal matrix composites of Al-WC (10, 15 and 20 wt%) were prepared by microwave (without holding) and conventional sintering (held for 1 hour) processes at various temperatures between 650-950 °C. The results indicated that the highest density of conventional and microwave sintering corresponds to 97.4 ± 1.2% and 98.6 ± 0.8 of theoretical density, respectively; The highest bending strength of conventional and microwave sintered samples were 223 ± 12 and 256 ± 12 MPa, respectively. XRD patterns showed the decomposition of WC particles and formation of Al5W and Al12W interfacial reaction product phases in both processes. SEM studies showed that WC reinforcement particles were more likely to be agglomerated in microwave compared to conventional sintering process.

Keywords

• metal matrix composite
• tungsten carbide
• aluminum
• microwave sintering