Characterization of Functionally Graded Bronze Matrix Ceramic Reinforced Composite Materials

Abstract

In this study, ceramic reinforced bronze matrix functionally graded materials (FGMs) wereproduced by using powder metallurgy method. B4C, TiC, Mo2C and SiC were selected asceramic reinforcements. The samples with compositions bronze + 10% SiC, bronze + 10% B4C,bronze + 10% Mo2C, and bronze + 10% TiC were sintered at 750 °C for 90 minutes.Investigations were carried out to assess the mechanical properties and microstructures ofspecimens. For this purpose, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS),and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were applied for microstructure investigations. Samplehardness testing was carried out with the help of Vickers hardness testing device. Compositelayers of ceramic particles were homogeneously distributed. Little pore formation wasobserved. While the upper and lower composite layers of the FGMs produced were hard, themiddle layer was found to be ductile. The highest hardness value was reached in the B4Creinforced FGM.