Producing multi-layer composite of stainless steel/aluminum/copper by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process

Abstract

Mechanical process of Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB) is one of the severe plastic deformation methods which can be contributed to produce ultrafine grind composites. In this research, multi-layered composite of stainless steel/aluminum/copper after five cycles of accumulative roll bonding has been produced. In order to examine the microstructure of the sample during the process of ARB, images of optical microscope (OM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of sample cross section were provided. Moreover, inter-diffusion of atoms of Steel, Al, and Cu has been examined through linear elemental analysis. In order for recognition of created phases in composite, X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) has been done. At the end, a test of hardness has been done on various layers of composite. The results showed that in the first and second cycle of the ARB, it has not been created any plastic instability in the layers. By increasing the number of the cycle of accumulative roll bonding up to the five, plastic instability (necking and fracturing) will be observed. According to the result of this study, during the process of ARB, proper connection has been created among the layers. By increasing the cycles up to the five, a composite of aluminum matrix, grinds reinforcing Cu, and steel will be produced. In addition, the investigation of atomic diffusion indicates that the diffusion of the atoms of Cu and Al is greater than Steel. Formation of intermetallic compound of Al2Cu through the ARB process in Stainless Steel/Al/Cu composite is another finding of the present study.