Influence of SPS sintering condition on properties of aluminum-based composite materials exhibiting magnetism

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of sintering temperatures and applied pressures on hardness and magnetic properties of the aluminum-based composite bulk materials possessing magnetic properties, composite powders were consolidated into the bulk materials at different sintering temperatures and applied pressures by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Solid-state reaction, hardness and magnetic properties of the composite bulk materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction, Vickers hardness and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. Change in constituent phases of the composite bulk materials fabricated at different sintering temperatures and applied pressures were observed. In addition, change in the amount of the intermetallic compounds of the composite bulk materials fabricated at different applied pressures was observed. The Vickers hardness of the composite bulk materials fabricated at 88 MPa was higher than that at 49 MPa due to the large amount of the Al₁₃Fe₄ and higher relative density. The magnetization of the composite bulk materials fabricated at 723 K and 773 K was corresponded to the amount of ZnO. In addition, the magnetization of the composite bulk materials fabricated at 823 K was dramatically decreased due to the formation of Al₁₃Fe₄. Effect of sintering temperatures and applied pressures on hardness and magnetic properties of the composite bulk materials was identified due to the change in the amount of the intermetallic compounds and relative density.