Abstract
In the present research, Ni-based powder casting was developed using a domestic microwave oven with a variable power level of 180–900 W at 2.45 GHz frequency. The power level and exposure time were optimized using a set of experiments. It was found that with increase in power level the exposure time for the development of casting was reduced. The casting was developed within 25 min of exposure time at 900 W of power. Further, the microstructural results revealed the formation of equiaxed grains throughout the casting. The XRD analysis revealed the intermetallic compounds formation during processing. The intense heating led to the formation of nickel silicides and some chromium carbides. The formed carbides precipitated along the grain boundaries as indicated by EDS analysis. The microhardness of developed casting was observed as 404 ± 52 HV and was due to the presence of hard intermetallic compounds.
