An overview on the microstructure and mechanical properties of sintered aluminum-based composites

Abstract

Sintered composites have revolutionized as a thermal treatment to consolidate a wide range of engineering materials where the transition of powders takes place thermally in a thermodynamical equilibrium state with a decrease in free surface energy in materials owing to their specific capability. Sintering aids in providing effective bonding between the reinforced powder particles. However, the inadequate understanding of the sintering mechanism may limit the practical application of a few materials such as aluminum metal matrix composites. In addition to the rapid growth of various sintering related technologies, researchers need attention to highlight the structural barriers and forecast the emerging demands while dealing with such composites. A review report is made in this paper regarding the sintering mechanisms and sintering techniques. Common sintering techniques such as traditional, microwave assisted, hot pressing, hot isostatic sintering, and spark plasma sintering are identified and discussed here. As a result, the key challenges in sintering aluminium metal matrix composites that can affect sintering parameters are investigated. From the review, spark plasma is identified to attain densified and pore-free green composites and, microwave sintering is the best technique for achieving uniform microstructure in powder metallurgy samples.