Fabrication of Cu/Al–Al2O3 laminar composites using squeeze casting and roll bonding techniques: Evaluation of microstructure, mechanical properties and wear characteristics

Abstract

The influence of Al2O3 whiskers addition on the microstructure, tensile, hardness, and wear characteristics of Cu/Al–Al2O3 composites were examined. The squeeze casting was used to fabricate Al–Al2O3 composites with different volume fractions of whiskers. Then, they were bonded to Cu layers. The microstructural and morphological examination were carried out by using SEM, XRD, and EBSD analyses. For the as-cast composites, the agglomeration of whiskers was observed which was then decreased by the following roll bonding process. For the roll bonded composites, the tensile strengths of composites were 210 MPa, 233 MPa, and 250 MPa For Cu/Al-(5 % vol) Al2O3, Cu/Al-(15 % vol) Al2O3, and Cu/Al-(25 % vol) Al2O3, respectively. The wear rate decreased versus volume fraction of whiskers which is correlated with the enhanced hardness of layers in composites. Less material loss and less debris were observed in composites with a higher volume fraction of whiskers.