18th International Conference on Mechanika, Kaunas, Lithuania, 4 - 05 April 2013, pp.239-243
In this paper, two different functionally graded materials bearing alumina (Al2O3) reinforcement have been produced and subjected to precipitation hardening treatment process to be characterized. After mixing the alloy and ceramic powders, they have been cold pressed under the pressure of 100 MPa to form green layers. Next, the three layers have been bonded metallurgically by the liquid phase sintering operation with an aid of a uniaxial hot press. The porosity levels of the samples have been measured to be 0.5% - 4.2% depending on the sample and layer types. After the production step, the samples have been initially solutionized and then subjected to the artificial precipitation heat treatments at various temperatures. Experimental results indicate that the addition of alumina ceramic particles to the AA 7075 matrix enhances the hardness of the layers at a moderate level compared to the monolithic aluminum alloy layer.