High-strength, ductility and modulus Al–Li/B4C composite with near nanostructure produced by accumulative roll bonding

Abstract

Abstract Al–Li/B4C composite was produced by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) at ambient temperature. The agglomeration of B4C particles in the interfaces between Al–Li layers was evolved to the small clusters and uniform dispersoid particles in the matrix. Quite a few nano-grains were observed in the 8-cycles ARB processed Al–Li/B4C composite, indicating the successful preparation of near nanostructure. The strength and ductility were simultaneously improved with the increase of ARB cycles. The excellent mechanical properties (UTS = 384 MPa, YS = 264 MPa and EL = 10.7%) and high Young’s modulus (87 GPa) were achieved after 8 cycles of ARB process. The high strength of 8-cycle ARB processed Al/B4C composite was related to grain refinement strengthening and dislocation strengthening. The pleasurable ductility of 8-cycle ARB processed Al–Li/B4C composite was attributed to the uniform distribution of B4C particles and proper wide grain size distribution.