Characteristics of hybrid microwave sintering of Zn–Al–Cu–Mg alloy

Abstract

Hybrid microwave sintering is a promising method to enhance better properties of sintered metallic alloys. Mixtures of Zn–Al–Cu–Mg elements with 8, 12 and 27 wt-% fractions of Al were sintered by hybrid microwave method and compared with conventionally sintered products. Compositional, structural and thermo-mechanical characteristics of the sintered products were investigated. Analysis of the results confirmed the significant technical and economic advantages of hybrid microwave sintering to conventional sintering. The coefficient of thermal expansion was reduced from 28·25 to 21·23 µm (m °C)⁻¹ by increasing the Al content from 8 to 27 wt-%.

Keywords:

• Non-ferrous metals and alloys
• Hybrid microwave sintering (HMS)
• Coefficients of thermal expansions (CTEs)
• Microstructure

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the University of Malaya for providing the necessary facilities and resources for this research. This research is supported by University Malaya Research Grant Project (RG130-11AET) and also special thanks to Professor Emeritus Dr K. T. Joseph for English language checking.