Microwave sintering of ceramic reinforced metal matrix composites and their properties: a review

ABSTRACT

By developing the applications of metal matrix composites (MMCs), employing more efficient fabrication methods seems necessary. Within the two last decades, microwave (MW) sintering was introduced as a competitive nomination for sintering metal composites. This method leads to homogenous rapid heating which warms up the compacted powders volumetrically. Therefore, time and energy will be saved in a great deal compared with conventional methods; additionally, superior properties will be obtained. In this paper the principals of MW heating have been discussed initially and compared with the conventional sintering method; thereafter, the physical and mechanical properties of MW sintered MMCs reinforced by ceramic particles have been studied in three main categories of lightweight, superhard, and other metal matrices. According to the results, almost in all cases, MW sintered products revealed better mechanical properties than conventional, hot pressed, and vacuum sintered samples. In addition, several novel research studies showed MW processing of MMCs could be carried out to construct biomedical and electronic parts. Furthermore, it seems the future of composite materials industries will be influenced by MW heating remarkably.

KEYWORDS:

• Composite
• nanocomposite
• metal matrix composite
• ceramic reinforcement
• lightweight metals
• superhard metals
• advanced materials
• powder metallurgy
• sintering
• microwave sintering
• mechanical properties
• physical properties
• materials processing
• materials characterization
• electromagnetic waves