Functionally graded materials are inhomogeneous materials with the gradual change in properties with position. In this research work, functionally graded clad layers of Ni-WC8Co-based materials with varying compositions of WC8Co from 0 to 30 wt% were processed using a cost-effective and energy-efficient microwave hybrid heating technique. Single-layer clads of compositions corresponding to different functionally graded clad layers were also developed through microwave heating for comparing different properties. The processed functionally graded clads were characterized through microstructural analysis (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and Vicker’s microhardness quantification. Microstructure results showed the functionally graded clad of approximately 2 mm thickness was free from any visible pores and interfacial cracks. Microwave heating resulted in the formation of hard phases in the functionally graded clad layers, and these layers exhibited significantly higher microhardness values. Further, the tribological performance of developed functionally graded clad was examined under dry sliding conditions using pin-on-disk-type tribometer. The influence of varying sliding velocities and sliding distances on the wear characteristics of microwave-processed functionally graded clads were investigated. It was observed that microwave-processed functionally graded clad exhibited approximately 95%, and 29% higher wear resistance than the SS-304 substrate and Ni + 30%WC8Co-based single-layer clad respectively owing to its better mechanical properties.

功能梯度材料是不均匀的材料，其特性随位置而逐渐变化。在这项研究工作中，使用具有成本效益和能效的微波混合加热技术对功能梯度不同的WC8Co组成从0到30 wt％的Ni-WC8Co基材料进行了功能分级。还通过微波加热开发了对应于不同功能梯度的包层的组成的单层包层，以比较不同的性能。通过微观结构分析（扫描电子显微镜/能量色散X射线光谱法）和维氏显微硬度定量，对加工后的功能梯度包层进行了表征。显微组织结果表明，功能梯度层的厚度约为2 mm，没有任何可见的孔和界面裂纹。微波加热导致功能梯度层中形成硬质相，并且这些层显示出明显更高的显微硬度值。此外，使用销盘式摩擦计在干滑条件下检查了开发的功能梯度包层的摩擦学性能。研究了变化的滑动速度和滑动距离对微波处理的功能梯度包层的磨损特性的影响。观察到，经微波处理的功能渐变包层显示约95％，