Effect of Electrically Assisted Accumulative Roll Bonding (EARB) Process on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Evolution of AA5083/Al2O3 Composites

Abstract

Abstract In this study, electrically assisted accumulative roll bonding (EARB) process has been proposed and applied to produce metal matrix composite (MMC: AA5083/-1 % aluminum oxide [Al2O3]). This process can be used to fabricate the MMCs needed in various industries such as automobile and aerospace with appropriate mechanical properties. The alloy was deformed in various electricity current levels, i.e., at 0, 100, 200, and 300 A up to six ARB cycles (ε = 4.8). The mechanical properties of the deformed material have been measured by a tensile test, Vickers microhardness test, and scanning electron microscopy. Microstructure evolution during the EARB cycles leads to improvement of the strength and elongation amount of samples. According to the results obtained, uniform dispersion of Al2O3 particles improves both the strength and tensile toughness of the composites. Also, it was established that the electricity current had a significant effect on the mechanical and microstructure properties of the manufactured MMCs. High strength, low elongation, and high average Vickers microhardness were obtained for the material processed at lower current intensities. Whereas, by increasing the electricity current intensity up to 300 A, the tensile toughness and elongation amplitudes improved considerably.