A Mini Review of Synthesis and Applications of Functionally Graded Materials

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 54 65
    By

    Sunil Bhat,

  1. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, RV Institute of Technology and Management, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Material composition or microstructure varies gradually along the thickness over a specific volume in functionally graded material (FGM) that results in spatial change in properties like thermal conductivity, strength, stiffness, electrical, magnetic, and light properties, etc. Application of the concept of FGM leads to a single product that has multiple properties in it as demanded by the operational or functional requirements of the product under service conditions. It also allows the designer to tailor make or customize the properties of the component meant for a specific application. FGMs can be thin or thick. Thin FGMs (coatings) are fabricated by physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques whereas thick FGMs are fabricated by powder metallurgy, centrifugal casting and solid free form (SFF) routes. Out of these methods, SFF, that is the additive manufacturing (AM) technique, is versatile and is rapidly gaining the popularity and importance. Besides, SFF appears to be the promising method to undertake the fabrication of FGMs at large scale due to its high manufacturing flexibility and suitability for achieving high production rates. FGMs are finding increasing applications in various fields namely aerospace, defense, energy, electronic, medical etc. This paper reviews various techniques of synthesis of FGMs and touches upon their application areas.

Keywords: Applications, coatings, functionally graded material, property gradient, solid free form, synthesis

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Sunil Bhat. A Mini Review of Synthesis and Applications of Functionally Graded Materials. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):54-65.
How to cite this URL:
Sunil Bhat. A Mini Review of Synthesis and Applications of Functionally Graded Materials. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):54-65. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236260


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 20/11/2025
Accepted 13/12/2025
Published 03/01/2026
Publication Time 44 Days
1

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