The effect of TiC additive on microstructure and final properties of microwave and conventional sintered Al-SiC composite

Al-SiC-TiC composites have been produced via conventional and microwave sintering. The initial composition as: SiC 15 wt%، TiC 1، 3، 5 and 7 wt% and Al balance، were compacted with uniaxial press at 240 MPa. Green samples were subjected to sintering at 650، 750، 850 and 950°C for 1 h and 1 min in a conventional sintering method and a microwave، respectively. Results indicated that the optimum bending strength corresponded to the sintering at 950°C for samples with 7 wt% and were 140 MPa and 215MPa for conventional and microwave sintered samples، respectively. The microwave sintered specimens showed more uniform distribution of reinforcement particles and higher density than conventional sintered ones concurrent time and energy saving. SEM studies revealed a homogeneous distribution of carbide phases within the Al matrix.