ABSTRACT
A functionally graded material (FGM) is a two-component composite characterized by a compositional gradient from one component to the other. In contrast to traditional composites that are homogeneous mixtures and involve a compromise between the desirable properties of component materials, the signicant proportions of FGMs contain the pure form of each component; hence, the need for compromise is eliminated. Thus, the properties of both components can be fully utilized. For example, the toughness of a metal can be mated with the refractoriness of a ceramic, without any compromise in the toughness of the metal or the refractoriness of the ceramic. The materials can be designed for specic functions and applications. Various approaches based on the particulate processing, preform processing, layer processing and melt processing are used to fabricate the FGMs.
