PREPARATION OF GRADIENT MATERIALS BY POWDER-METALLURGY

In mechanical constructions as well as in electronic devices, the designer is commonly faced with the problem of matching materials properties to the demands for strength. ductility, conductivity, corrosion resistance etc. Usually. these types of demands are quite different in different parts of the component. Composition gradient materials offer an elegant and economic solution to the problem. The article describes a reliable preparation method for gradient materials with a one-dimensional gradient of composition. The method is based on an entirely novel powder metallurgy technique that employes a computer controlled dosing system and a centrifugal forming unit. As the results show, it is possible to select almost any desired property profile.