Functionally graded materials

The proposed research program has been directed toward the development of necessary technologies for production of FGMs as well toward the study of the processes that take place in the material which is subjected to the properties gradation processing. The results obtained within the framework of this programme have contributed to a better and deeper understanding of mechanisms which control gradation of properties in FGMs and to better understanding of the influence of various processing parameters on the local development of microstructure, which is very important from a theoretical as well as from a practical point of view. Modeling of the evolution of microstructure during processing of FGMs enabled both the deeper understanding of synergetic influence of various processing parameters and optimization of the properties of the semi- or final product. Furthermore, developed models, computational tools, experimental approaches and developed equipment together with technologies for production of FGMs, enabled to largely remove some esential difficulties occouring in production of such materials.

Advanced knowledge based FGMs are gaining on importance and it is expected that in next decades they will play very important role in the development of modern technologies in various sectors. In Slovenia there are many metals forming and foundry companies that are suppliers of parts and tools to various domestic and foreign industries. With development of concept of FGMs, many of them are or will be exposed to new technological problems. Since they have to deal with their specific technologies, it is very important that fundamental understanding of the processes together with technological expertise are available to them when needed. On the other hand, the implementation of the results obtained within the framework of this research program improved the education quality for students at the undergraduate and post-graduate level. The results of this programme are very important for increasing of competitive positions of our polymer producers. It should be noted that more than 50% of all materials produced and transformed in Slovenia are polymers at the moment and the procentage is growing constantly. In Slovenia there are more than 2000 companies (mostly SMEs) producing parts made of polymer materials. They export more than 80% of its production on most demanding EU markets. Due to high competition from low-wages countries this companies need new knowledge and are directly benefiting from the results of this research programme.