Synthesis of Al/TiCp Based Functionally Gradient Materials Using the Novel Technique of Gradient Slurry Disintegration and Deposition: Effect of Particulates Feed Rate

In the present study, aluminum-titanium carbide based functionally gradient materials were successfully synthesized using an innovative gradient slurry disintegration and deposition technique. Gradients of TiCp for the starting weight of 18% were successfully established by varying the particulates feed rate. The results revealed, in common, a decrease in the weight percentage of TiCp and a corresponding decrease in density and microhardness along the direction of deposition. The results also revealed that an increase in particulates feed rate, increases the homogeneity of TiC particulates' distribution, thus resulting in a decrease in the average gradient of reinforcement along the deposition direction. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction studies showed that only aluminum and TiCp diffraction peaks were detected from the FGM ingots synthesized in this study. An attempt is made here, to establish the relationship between the processing parameter such as particulates feed rate, with the gradient of TiC particulates realized in the ingots and the microhardness results obtained.