Synthesis and characterization of a free-standing, one-dimensional, Al-Cu/SiC-based functionally graded material

Abstract

In this research paper the synthesis of aluminum-copper/silicon carbide-based (Al-Cu/SiC) functionally gradient material using the innovative technique of gradient slurry disintegration and deposition is presented and discussed. Using the gradient slurry disintegration and deposition technique a gradient of SiC was established using an initial weight percentage of 15%. Results of the synthesis were confirmed by characterizing the microstructure and recording microhardness measurements. Test results revealed an increase in the weight percentage of SiC particulates along the direction of deposition to result in an increase in porosity, an elevation in microhardness, and an enhanced degree of clustering with the nature of SiC-Al alloy interracial integrity remaining essentially unaltered. An attempt is made to highlight the interrelationships between processing technique, microstructural development, and microhardness of the material.