Effect of Silicon Carbide Weight Percentage and Number of Layers on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Al7075/SiC Functionally Graded Material

Abstract

In this research, four different types of Al7075/SiC functionally graded materials (FGMs) are produced by varying the number of layers and weight percentages of silicon carbide(SiC). Each layer is fabricated with a predetermined configuration using the conventional powder metallurgy technique. The result of introducing different weight percentages of SiC particles in each layer and their effect on the functionally graded materials microstructure and mechanical properties are examined. The microstructural analysis clearly shows the uniform distribution of reinforcement material gradient from top to bottom and good interfacial bonding among the layers of FGMs. The functionally graded material’s density decreases with an increase in SiC weight percentage due to increased defects. The variation of hardness in each layer confirms the successful fabrication of Al7075/SiC functionally graded material with different layers. The mechanical properties of Al7075/SiC functionally graded materials mainly depend on the type of interfacial bonding between the layers, micro-cracks, pores, and SiC agglomerations. The prepared functionally graded materials exhibit extended mechanical and wear characteristics and are recommended in the manufacturing of gears, drive shafts, brake drums and bearings.