Characterization of microwave processed aluminium powder

Commercial Al powder was exposed to microwave radiation for 45 min. The as received and microwave heated Al powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD of the microwave treated Al powder confirmed the formation of Al–Al2O3 composite. FTIR studies and EDX analysis indicated the transformation of Al powder into Al–Al2O3 core–shell composite powder after microwave processing. SEM showed that the morphology of the microwave processed Al powder was quite different from that of the as-received Al powder. TEM image of the microwave treated Al powder supported the FTIR and EDX data.