Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/Al₂O₃ MMC produced by anodising and cold roll bonding

Abstract

In the present paper, Al–Al₂O₃ composite strips are produced by the cold roll bonding process of anodised aluminium strips. This technique has the flexibility to control the volume fraction of metal matrix composites by varying the oxide layer thickness on the anodised aluminium strip. Microhardness, tensile strength and elongation of composite strips are investigated as a function of quantity of alumina and the applied production method. It is found that higher quantities of alumina improve microhardness and tensile strength, while the elongation value decreases negligibly. Furthermore, prerolling annealing is found to be the best method of producing this composite via the cold roll bonding process. Finally, it is found that both monolithic aluminium and aluminium/alumina composite exhibited a ductile fracture, having dimples and shear zones.

Keywords:

• Metal matrix composite
• Cold roll bonding
• Anodising
• Microstructure
• Mechanical properties