Improvement of Electrical Conductivity, Grain Refinement, and Mechanical Characteristics of Repeatedly Rolled Bi-metal Composite

Abstract

To achieve uniform deformation and optimized properties, the alteration of strain path in severe plastic deformation processes is crucial. Therefore, different rolling degrees including 0-degree, 90-degree, and 180-degree were applied to Cu/ZEK100 composites during the accumulative roll-bonding (ARB) method. The role of rolling rotation degrees on the variation of texture, grain structure, morphology, electrical conductivity, and mechanical features was studied. More uniform fragmentation and distribution of the reinforcing layer was achieved by alteration of rolling path, especially 90-degree rotation. Additionally, the alteration of rolling direction increased the grain refinement and the texture intensity. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of composites decreased with the rolling path change. After pass 8, the values of electrical conductivity were 67, 65, and 59 % IACS after changing the rolling direction by 0-degree, 180-degree, and 90-degree, respectively. Furthermore, the strength-elongation trade-off versus deformation pass was improved by rolling rotation. The highest tensile strength of 439 MPa and tensile elongation of 23% were obtained by 90-degree rotation after pass 8. Also, the alteration of rolling direction resulted in more hardness growth. The maximum hardness of 217 HV for Cu and 100 HV for ZEK100 was achieved by 90-degree rotation after pass 8.