Cu-(B4C)p metal matrix composites processed by accumulative roll-bonding

In this study, Cu/B4C metal matrix composites were prepared by accumulative roll-bonding (ARB). The microstructure of the processed samples was characterized by TEM, SEM and optical microscopy. The microhardness, uniaxial tensile and four-point probe tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties and electrical resistivity of the ARBed monolithic and composite samples. The results showed that the reinforcement distribution was improved by increasing ARB cycles, which was quantitatively confirmed by some models. Based on TEM observations, the formation of an ultrafine grained structure in the composite matrix was also approved. It was shown that with increasing ARB cycles, the microhardness and tensile strength of the monolithic Cu samples were enhanced up to the 3rd cycle and then saturated, but the microhardness and tensile strength of the composites showed an increasing trend to the last cycle. Apart from a substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of the Cu/B4C composites, a minor decrement in electrical conductivity was detected after six ARB cycles.