FUNCTIONALLY

GRADED MATERIALS

JITHIN JOSE (P2MFG15007)

K.PAVAN KUMAR (P2MFG15008)

INTRODUCTION
Pure metals and non metals

Alloys

Composites

Functionally graded materials

DEFINITION
Functionally graded materials (FGM) are composite
materials which are designed to present a particular
spatial variation of their properties
This is usually achieved by forming a compound of two
components whose volume fraction is changed across a
certain direction.
For example, the toughness of a metal can be mated with
the refractoriness of a ceramic without any compromise
in the toughness of the metal or the refractoriness of the
ceramic.

ORIGIN
The first FGM was developed in Japan
in 1984-85 as the result of a space-plane
project. Although the concept of FGM is
recent, many materials that fit the
description have existed for decades
Some FGM also occur naturally:
Bones and teeth
Seashells
Bamboo tree
Human skin

SOME NATURALLY OCCURRING FGMS

HUMAN SKIN

BONE

BAMBOO TREE

WHY FGM?

Better adherence of a protective layer

(against corrosion, for instance)

Minimization of interfacial stresses

between different materials (e.g. due to
temperature variation)

Relocation of maximum stresses on a load bearing

component

Increase in local fracture toughness

FGMs allow better customization and tailoring of materials for

specific tasks
More variety in material selection for engineering design

Stiffer at clamped end

Softer at clamped end

CLASSIFICATION OF FGMS
FGMs may be compositionally or micro-structurally
graded
Depending upon the nature of gradient, the functionally
graded materials (composites) may be grouped into
following types
1) Fraction gradient type
2) Shape gradient type
3) Orientation gradient type
4) Size (of material) gradient type

Based on gradation FGMs are classified into

1) Continuous
2) Stepped

Continuous

Stepped

FGMs come in several types, depending on their

constituents (e.g. ceramic-metal, metal-metal)

EXAMPLES
TUNGSTEN-COPPER

Tungsten
surface:
Hard, refractory
material

Copper
surface:
Good electric
and thermal
conductivity

TITANIUM CARBIDE-NICKEL

TITANIUM CARBIDE-NICKEL

Maximum fracture toughness is achieved for 30

wt.% Ni. The metal phase surrounds the TiC
particles and hence acts as a toughening phase.

Peak in hardness and flexure strength

due to metal phase changing its
behavior from dispersive to connective

MULLITE (Al6Si2O13) -MOLYBDENUM

ALUMINUM-POLYCARBONATE

This type of materials is being researched for its special properties of full wave
transmission on one side (Al) and full dissipation on the other, making it suitable
for NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) probes.

PROCESSING METHODS

Thin FGM: It consist of relatively thin sections or thin

surface coating.
1.Vapour Deposition techniques(i.e. PVD,CVD)
2.Plasma Spraying
3.Self-propagating High temperature synthesis (SHS)
4.Ion Beam Assisted Deposition (IBAD)

Bulk FGM: It consist of volume of materials which

require more labour intensive processes.
1.Powder metallurgy technique
2.Centrifugal casting method
3.Solid freeform technology

VAPOUR DEPOSITION TECHNIQUE

PLASMA SPRAYING

SELF PROPAGATAING HIGH TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS

ION BEAM ASSISTED DEPOSITION

POWDER METALLURGY TECHNIQUE

CENTRIFUGAL CASTING PROCESS

SOLID FREE FORM TECHNOLOGY

APPLICATIONS
AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS
They have the added advantage that the metal side can be
bolted onto the airframe rather than bonded as are the
ceramic tiles used in the Orbiter.
Other possible uses include combustion chamber insulation
in ramjet or scramjet engines
NUCLEAR FUSION REACTORS
Modification to heat exchangers in tokomak fusion reactors

FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY

Creating a porosity gradient in the electrodes, the
efficiency of the reaction can be maximized