Synthesis of functionally graded AA7075-B4C composite with multi-level gradient structure

The three-layered structured AA7075-B 4 C systems functionally graded materials (FGMs) were successfully synthesized via plasma activated sintering (PAS). In the current study, the results indicated that the multi-level gradient structures, including the reinforcements, dislocations and precipitates, could be observed based on the microstructural characterization. This type of FGMs exhibited a significantly high bending strength of ~1291 MPa with AA7075 being loaded in tensile, which could be ascribed to the excellent bonding between different layers as well as the multi-level gradient structures.