Investigation on in-situ formed Al3V-Al-VC nano composite through conventional, microwave and spark plasma sintering

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of heating methods has been studied on the microstructure and mechanical properties of in-situ formed Al 3 V-Al-VC nano-composite. 5 and 15 wt % of VC were added to Al matrix and conventional and microwave sintering processes were performed at 600 °C. While spark plasma sintering process was done at 450 °C with initial and final pressure of 10 and 30 MPa, respectively. The XRD results revealed the formation of Al 3 V intermetallic compound in microwave sintered sample, while in both spark plasma sintered and conventionally prepared specimens, the only crystalline phases were Al and VC. Microstructure studies, demonstrated a uniform distribution of 5wt% VC reinforcement in Al matrix but the 15wt%VC addition led to form agglomerates in all prepared samples. The highest bending strength (275 ± 13 MPa) and hardness (260 ± 13 Vickers) were obtained in the spark plasma sintered sample with 15wt% of VC content.

Progress in aluminium and magnesium matrix composites obtained by spark plasma, microwave and induction sintering

“…The heating method of the powder mixtures was shown to influence the phase composition of the sintered material. The Al-VC mixtures were sintered by conventional and microwave sintering; the maximum temperature was the same in those experiments ( 600°C) [92]. In the microwave sintering experiment, the sample was not soaked at the maximum temperature.…”

Production Methods of CNT-reinforced Al Matrix composites: A Review

“…The other important factor affecting the properties of the composites produced by powder metallurgy is the sintering process. The samples can be sintered either above or below the matrix solidus temperature [93]. Different sintering processes employed for the preparation of Al/ CNT nanocomposites are described below:…”