Effects of different production techniques on glass–alumina functionally graded materials

Glass–alumina functionally graded materials were obtained using two different methods: percolation, which was representative of natural transport based processes, and plasma spraying, which was representative of constructive processes. The specimens produced in this way were investigated to evaluate the effect of production techniques on the final microstructure and gradient, which, in turn, govern the properties and performances of the graded systems. Moreover, post-production heat treatments were performed in order to improve the reliability of the materials examined.