Development of a new aluminium matrix composite reinforced with iron oxide (Fe3O4)

Purpose: of this paper is to develop new aluminium matrix (intermetallic) composites reinforced with iron oxide (Fe3O4) that will be used in aeronautical engineering or in electronic industry. Different parameters such as sintering time and temperature, reinforcement, compact pressure were evaluated. The final purpose of this project is going on to improve conductivity and magnetic permeability of this new composite. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, a new alternative materials “aluminium–iron oxide (Fe3O4, naturally as the mineral magnetite) powder composite” has been developed by using a microwave (in the laboratory scale) sintering programme with various aspect ratios, that iron oxide (Fe3O4) particle sizes and aluminium powders together were prepared. This paper contains partially preliminary results of our going-on research project. Findings: Green density increased regularly depending on the compact pressure and percentage of the iron oxide (Fe3O4). Micro and macro porosity was not found due to very clean microwave sintering. Density after microwave sintering was higher than that of traditional sintering in an electrical oven. Research limitations/implications: This project is going on and magnetic permeability and conductivity of this composite will be improved. Practical implications: This composite is new and clean and thanks to the new microwave sintering basically will be used in aeronautical engineering. Microwave heating results in lower energy costs and decreased processing times for many industrial processes. Originality/value: Originality of this paper is to use a new reinforcement in the aluminium matrix composite; Fe3O4-iron oxide. A new method - microwave sintering- has been carried out on this composite.