New frontiers in engineered materials: fabrication processes and relevant applications of functionally graded materials

摘要

Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are a new and attractive class of composite materials, characterized by an engineered spatial variation in composition and microstructure. An appropriate design of the compositional and microstructural gradient ensures a gradual change of properties and performances, which can be tailored to the assigned application requirements. The optimization of the final FGM, however, is conditioned not only by the understanding of the correlation existing between compositionImicrostructure and material behaviour, but also by the adoption of a suitable fabrication technique. In the present paper, therefore, special attention will be paid to the production of Functionally Graded Materials. Finally a brief overview of their applications will be provided.