PROCESSING OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED ALUMINIUM ALLOYS

The functionally graded materials - FGM - combine several macroscopic, typically conflicting properties like tenacity versus abrasion strength or elasticity versus hardness. The utilization of compositions with high proportions of intermetal compounds can be extended by producing functionally graded structures. The paper analyzes theoretically and by means of experimental determinations the decanting of the intermetal phase in a hypereutectic Al-Ni alloy with 20% Ni in the cases of static and centrifugal casting. Experimental tests have confirmed the possibility of achieving functionally graded materials along the radius of centrifugally cast parts of revolution.