Fabrication of functionally graded materials by a semi-solid forming process under magnetic field gradients

MnSb/Sb-MnSb functionally graded material (FGM) has been successfully fabricated using a semi-solid forming process under magnetic field gradients. Mn-Sb alloy with a hypoeutectic composition was used to produce particle-dispersed composites. The graded composition of MnSb particles could be controlled by adjusting the BdB/dz value of the field gradient and the holding time. The direction along which the volume fraction of the particles increased could also be controlled artificially by adjusting the field gradient direction. (c) 2007 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.