A texture study of nanostructured Al–Cu multi-layered composite manufactured via the accumulative roll bonding (ARB)

Abstract

In this study, texture development during the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) of Al–Cu multilayered composite was investigated using X-ray diffraction. Microstructural investigations were also conducted using optical and transmission electron microscopy. The results of textural investigation of the rolled specimens indicated that a strong β-fiber was developed and dominated mainly by the Brass and Copper components in both the Al and Cu layers during the early stages of the ARB process. Moreover, the intensity of the most textural components in both of the metallic layers decreased in the last two ARB cycles. No component other than a weak Rotated Cube was found in the Al layer after the last ARB cycle. In the Cu layer, on the other hand, a Cube component, known as the "recrystallization texture ", was developed which was accompanied by a "rolling texture" represented by the β fiber. Furthermore, the increased misorientation between the grains at high ARB cycles confirmed the formation of high angle grain boundaries in both of the metallic layers. Microstructural investigations showed that the average grain size of the final specimens (after 7 ARB cycles) was less than 500 nm in both Al and Cu layers.