Effect of SiC on Mechanical and Microstructural Characteristics of Al Based Functionally Graded Material

In this study, an attempt was made to enhance the mechanical and microstructural properties of aluminium (Al) based FGM with the influence of silicon carbide (SiC) elements. The five layered functionally graded metal-ceramic composite was fabricated using powder metallurgy technique. The bottom layer of the specimen was compacted with aluminium (100 wt.%) and succeeding layers were made with the combination of Al and SiC (97.5-2.5 wt.%, 95-5 wt.%, 92.5-7.5 wt.%, 90-10 wt.%). FESEM analysis ensured the smooth transitions of microstructure between adjacent layers which confirmed the good interfacial solid state bonding. The major orientation (111) of Al and SiC was improved with the volume percentage of SiC. Moreover, the addition of SiC has been improved the crystallite size of Al/SiC. Vickers analysis resulted the maximum hardness of 148.5 Hv on FGM when SiC was added by 10%. The corrosion resistant property can be improved by adding non-conductivity element of SiC in the Al based FGM.