A new manufacturing method for functionally gradient materials, and its applications

The concept of functionally gradient materials (FGMs) has emerged recently in Japan. Application fields for such materials are found in mechanical, chemical, biological and electrical engineering. In electrical engineering, they have utilisation potential in feeler sensors, resistors, magnetic shields, lossless optical fibres and superconductors. Hitherto two kinds of techniques have been available for the manufacture of FGMs: chemical and physical vapour deposition methods. Physical vapour deposition methods include sputtering and injection of ions. This paper proposes a new physical manufacturing method developed by the authors: a progressive and gradual introduction of additives. The method itself is explained and the materials produced by it are examined with respect to their resistivity and heat emitting properties