Microwave processed EWAC/SiC based metal matrix composite castings

Abstract The current investigation focuses on the feasibility study of formation EWAC/SiC based composite casting through Microwave irradiation technique. EWAC + 3%SiC based composite powder was processed inside graphite mould cavity using microwave energy as a heat input at 900 W and 2.45 GHz. Metallurgical characterizations of processed casting samples were studied through XRD, SEM and EDS techniques. Mechanical property was studied in terms of microhardness. Microstructure study showed the existence of dispersed SiC reinforced particles in EWAC based matrix with no sign of any macro cracks. The porosity of composite casting was calculated as 0.96%. The phase study revealed the presence of various hard phases in the composite casting, which contributed to the higher hardness of the composite castings. The microhardness of the EWAC + 3% SiC based casting was observed as 596 ± 65 HV and was 1.5 times the microhardness of EWAC based casting.