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

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