Application of ARB process for manufacturing high-strength, finely dispersed and highly uniform Cu/Al2O3 composite

In the present work, accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process was used as an effective alternative method for manufacturing high-strength, finely dispersed and highly uniform copper/alumina metal matrix composite (MMC). The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the Cu/15 vol.% Al2O3 composite during various ARB cycles are reported. The produced MMC by nine ARB cycles showed a homogeneous distribution and strong bonding between particles and matrix without any porosity. Also, it was found that when the number of cycles increased, not only did elongation increase but also the tensile strength of the composite improved by 2.5 times compared to that of the annealed copper used as the original raw material. Strengthening in the produced composites was explained by strain hardening, grain refinement, reinforcing role of particles, uniformity, bonding quality and size of particles. The findings also revealed that after the first cycle, hardness rapidly increased, then dwindled and finally saturated by further rolling.