Microstructural and mechanical investigation of aluminium alloy (Al 1050) melted by microwave hybrid heating

Abstract

Microwave processing of metals is an emerging area. Melting of bulk metallic materials through microwave irradiation is still immature. In view of this, the present paper discusses the melting of bulk Al 1050 metallic material through microwave irradiation. The melting process is carried out successfully in a domestic microwave oven with 900 W power at 2450 MHz frequency. Metallurgical and mechanical characterization of the processed and as-received material is carried out. Aluminium phase is found to be dominant in processed material when tested through x-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructure study of as-cast metal through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the formation of uniform hexagonal grain structure free from pores and cavities. The average tensile strength of the cast material is found to be around 21% higher, when compared to as-received material. Vickers' microhardness of the as-cast metal is measured and is 10% higher than that of the as-received metal. Radiography on as-cast metal shows no significant defects. Al 1050 material melted through microwave irradiation has exhibited superior properties than the as-received Al 1050.