Investigation on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Zn composite during accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process

In this study, Al–Zn composite was produced for the first time by using of Al 1050 and commercial Zn alloy sheets through accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process at ambient temperature. In this process after sandwich preparation, in per cycle applied 50% reduction in thickness. It was observed that by increasing ARB cycles, thickness of individual Al and Zn sheets decreased; finally, zinc layers were necked, fractured and dispersed in the aluminum matrix. After ten ARB passes, an Al–Zn composite with homogeneously distribution of fragmented zinc layers with thickness of less than 3 μm in aluminum matrix was produced. Structure and mechanical properties of this composite were evaluated at different cycles of ARB process. During ARB cycles, it was observed that with increase of number of ARB cycles, the strength and microhardness increased while elongation at the first cycles increased and then decreased.

► ARB process was conducted on Al/Zn two layers system.
► Al–Zn composite produced after ten cycles of ARB.
► Fragmentation of Zn layer take place after third cycle.
► Homogeneity on microstructure achieved at final cycles.
► Strength of composite enhances with increasing of number of cycle.