Developments in Solidification Processing of Functionally Graded Aluminium Alloys and Composites by Centrifugal Casting Technique

Abstract

Centrifugal casting is one of the potential solidification processing techniques used for producing near-net shaped symmetrical cast components with improved properties. The emergence of new class of functionally graded materials has propelled this technique for the fabrication of engineering components and structures with graded property. The specific properties obtained by the use of functionally graded metal matrix composites (FGMMC) are high temperature surface wear resistance, surface friction and thermal properties, adjustable thermal mismatching, reduced interfacial stresses, increased adhesion at metal–ceramic interface, minimized thermal stresses and increased fracture toughness and crack retardation. Among various processing techniques available for the fabrication of FGMMC, centrifugal casting has emerged as the simplest and cost effective technique for producing large size engineering components of FGMMC. The present paper gives an overview on the developments in use of centrifugal processing technique for processing various functionally graded aluminium alloys and composites. The influence of various process and solidification parameters on microstructure and properties of graded alloys and composites are described.