Evaluation of interlayer properties of functionally graded materials

In this study, FGMs consisting of varying amounts of ceramic constituents TiB and TiB2 dispersed throughout the titanium matrix were produced. The as-fabricated samples were cut and polished. The graded layers were examined by X-ray diffraction technique and scanning electron microscope. The interlayer properties, were analyzed by using a nanoindentation tester. It was found that FGM layers were consisted of TiB and TiB2 with Ti. Microstructural observations showed smooth transitions between layers with no apparent cracks. The hardness and elastic modulus of the interfaces were found to be increasing as the amount of ceramic phases increases.