Recent Advances in the Combustion Synthesis of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs)

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are a new class of inhomogeneous composite materials that have attracted considerable attention in engineering applications. In these materials, there is a gradual change in properties along one dimension due to variation in chemical composition and/or structure. FGMs can be produced by a variety of methods such as electrodeposition methods, additive manufacturing techniques, chemical vapor deposition, and combustion synthesis or self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis (SHS). In this chapter, after a brief review of FGM materials and their production methods, the most recent and significant achievements in the combustion synthesis of FGMs are summarized. Studies indicate that this method is capable of fabricating high-performance FGM composites with engineered properties; however, research is still required for the improvement of product quality, e.g. by appropriate design of combination of materials and/or processes as well as finding low-cost, low-energy consolidation techniques. 

Keywords: Carbide, Combustion synthesis, Composite, Functionally graded material (FGM), Intermetallic, Layered structure, Metal-ceramic FGM, Metal FGM, Microstructure, Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS).