Characterization of a functionally graded material produced using a new designed blender

Abstract

Abstract One of the techniques widely used for fabrication of FGMs (Functionally Graded Materials) is powder metallurgy. However, producing a FGM with smooth gradient in its constituents mixture has remained a challenge yet to be met. The purpose of this research is design and manufacturing a blender for producing a functionally graded material with smooth gradient of its constituent materials. The blender was used to mix magnesium and titanium dioxide to produce Magnesium/titanium dioxide FGMs. The powder mixture was then compacted by Instron, drop hammer, and split Hopkinson bar at 600 °C. The microstructure and relative density of the functionally graded samples fabricated at different strain rates were studied in this work. SEM images clearly demonstrated a continuous and functional distribution of Mg and TiO2 particles in the produced FGM samples. It was also shown that increasing the compaction loading rate resulted in a higher relative density in the FGM samples. The maximum relative density (92%) was observed for the samples produced by Hopkinson bar. This level of density was 7% and 17% higher than the densities of the samples fabricated using drop hammer and Instron, respectively. The improvement of relative density in dynamic compaction methods is attributed to the increased compaction pressure and process being adiabatic.