Microstructural, Mechanical, and Fracture Characterization of Metal Matrix Composite Manufactured by Accumulative Roll Bonding

Abstract

Accumulative roll bonding is a severe plastic-forming process proposed to manufacture ceramic particle-reinforced multilayered metal matrix composites. In this work, low-cost composite multilayered laminate was produced by roll bonding commercially pure aluminum 1100 with 5% in volume of reinforcing microscale silicon carbide particles. Microstructural features, hardness, tensile properties in the presence of stress concentrators, and wear resistance were assessed. Fracture surface inspection was carried out to determine operating failure mechanisms. Hardness was significantly enhanced, whereas tensile properties only moderately improved by ceramic particles incorporation. The main reasons were some degree of recrystallization, work-hardening relief due to periodic annealing, minimum grain refinement, and somewhat agglomerated carbide particles. Though tensile properties increments were not much attractive, exceptional increase in wear performance was achieved due to the addition of particulate carbon-rich ceramic phase, which acted as solid lubricant mitigating abrasion, adhesion, and delamination wear mechanisms. The manufactured composite laminate can be worthwhile in applications where low cost, notch insensitivity, and superior wear and weather resistances are design requirements, as outdoor decks and patios.