Abstract
Formation of inclined concentration layers was studied with the intention of providing a fundamental idea for manufacturing functionally gradient materials. Metallic chlorides were reduced by hydrogen in a silica tube, and the produced metallic fine particles were subsequently infiltrated within a ceramic packing placed in the same tube. The cut section of subjected packing was observed with SEM, and the ratios of metal-to-ceramics were graphically determined at various positions.
The experiment using nickel chloride and alumina packings proved that inclined concentration layers were sufficiently formed, and their gradients were easily controlled by changing the flow rate of purge gas and the conditions of the packing. The infiltration process was also successively simulated with a theory of mechanical separation which allowed the design of the optimal processing.
