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.