Development of Al–Mg–Sc Thin Foils for Fiber‐Reinforced Metal Laminates

Abstract

The present work is dedicated to studying of a manufacturing process of Al–Mg–Sc thin foils, which are considered as potential candidates to substitute metallic layers made of a conventional Al–Cu based alloy in a new generation of fiber‐reinforced metal laminates. For this purpose, a special alloy is designed based on 1570C (Al–5.5Mg–0.23Sc–0.34Mn–0.07Zr–0.03Ti), whereas the content of Mg is reduced and a different Rare Earths Element is used. At the next step, a special rolling technology for production of thin metal foils with a maximal thickness of 0.5 mm is developed. The microstructure is then characterized by using the metallography, EBSD, as well as SEM/EDX techniques. In order to eliminate the rolling defects (waviness of thin foils), thin sheets are subjected to hot pressing. Additionally, numerical simulations of asymmetric hot rolling by using Finite Element Method are performed in order to get a better insight into the formation of foil waviness. The mechanical properties of produced Al–Mg–Sc foils with a thickness of 0.5 mm achieves 377 and 419 MPa for yield and ultimate strength, respectively, with the elongation at break about 11% (in the longitudinal direction). The estimated average corrosion rate of the Al–Mg–Sc sheet material with a thickness of 2.7 mm is not more than 0.006 mm/year. Finally, the rate of fatigue crack growth is found lower than for a conventional AA2024‐T3 sheet material as well as the material density (2.65 g cm−3).