Densification process of 10%B4C-AA2024 matrix composite strips by semi-solid powder rolling

Semi-solid powder rolling (SSPR) is a novel strip manufacturing process, which includes the features of semi-solid rolling and powder rolling. In this work, densification process and deformation mechanisms of B4C and AA2024 mixed powders in the presence of liquid phase were investigated. The relationships between relative densities and rolling forces were analyzed as well. The results show that liquid fraction plays an important role in the densification process which can be divided into three stages. Rolling deformation is the main densification mechanism in deformation area when the liquid fraction is lower than 20%. When the liquid fraction is equal to or higher than 20%, the flowing and filling of liquid phase are the densification mechanisms in deformation area. The relative densities increase with increasing rolling forces. The relative density-rolling force curves are similar at 550 °C and 585 °C. The characteristics of the curve shapes are apparently different at 605 °C and 625 °C.