A new consideration on reinforcement distribution in the different planes of nanostructured metal matrix composite sheets prepared by accumulative roll bonding (ARB)

Abstract

Recently, a number of novel methods based on accumulative roll bonding (ARB) have been introduced to produce particulate metal matrix composites. Nonetheless, the microstructure uniformity from the reinforcement distribution viewpoint in the different planes of ARBed composite sheets has not been focused up to date. This paper aims to compare the evolution of the B 4C particles distribution in nanostructured Al–10 vol.% B 4C composites prepared by ARB in the rolling direction–normal direction (RD–ND) and transverse direction–normal direction (TD–ND) planes. From optical microscopic evaluations quantified by the radial distribution function analysis, it is realized that the homogeneity in the RD–ND planes is in excess of the TD–ND planes. In addition, transmission electron microscopy reveals the development of nanostructures in the Al matrix after seven ARB passes.