Characterization of SS/Al₂O₃ functionally graded material coating by plasma spray technique on aluminum plate

This article discusses the fabrication and bending strength of five-layer functionally graded material (FGM) coated aluminum plate. The volume fractions of ceramic (Al₂O₃) and metal (SS) constituent for each layer were evaluated by a simple power law index and the rule of mixture. A homogeneous mixture of components was done by a ball mill. The FGM coating was successfully prepared on the aluminum plate by an advanced plasma spray technique. The prepared FGM coated plate was characterized by the hardness test, density test, three-point bending test and thermal shock test to prove the improvement of the bending strength of the aluminum plate. The morphology of the FGM coating was also examined by scanning electron microscope image. (paper)