Texture evolution and hardening behavior of Al/IF composite produced through severe plastic deformation

In this research, the microstructure, texture, and work hardening behavior of the Al/IF composite were investigated. The composites were produced through up to 7 cycles of accumulative roll bonding (ARB). The microstructure evolution revealed that the IF layer fractured during the process and distributed within the Al matrix due to its higher hardness and higher work hardening rate, as well as formation of shear bands. The main deformation textures formed in the Al layer were the {001} <110>, {4,4,11} <11,11,8>, and {111} <112> components. In the IF layer, preferred orientations of {001} <110>, {110} <112>, and {111} <110> were observed. The produced composite exhibited typical tensile behavior, with strength increasing and elongation decreasing during the process due to an increment in dislocation density and hardening. Additionally, the results revealed that the hardening capacity of the composite decreased during the process; however, the strain hardening rate increased. A noticeable increase in dislocation density and a decrease in crystallite size were found to be the main governing parameters of these variations. Moreover, the fracture mode of the composite changed from ductile fracture to a more brittle mode as a result of hardening.