Investigation of structure and mechanical properties of multi-layered Al/Cu composite produced by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process

Multi-layered Al/Cu compositeswere produced by accumulative roll bonding(ARB) process using Al 1100 and Cu strips. It was observed that as passes of ARB proceeded, copper layers were necked and fractured. After five ARB passes, a multi-layer Al/Cu composite including homogeneously distributed fragmented copper layers in an aluminum matrix was achieved. Structure and mechanical properties of these composites were studied within different stages of ARB process. With increasing strain during ARB passes strength, microhardness, and elongation of these composites increased. Enhancement of the strength is higher than the tensile strength of Al/Al multi-layered strips produced by ARB process. Fracture surfaces after tensile tests were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Observation revealed that rupture mode after ARB process is shear ductile fracture. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.