Characterization of aluminum/alumina/TiC hybrid composites in 3D produced by anodizing and accumulating roll bonding process using synchrotron radiation tomography

Hybrid composites of Al/Al₂O₃/TiC were produced by anodizing and accumulative roll bonding processes. We implemented 3D imaging of the composites using synchrotron radiation tomography at Biomedical Imaging and Therapy’s 05B1-1 beamline at Canadian Light Source to collect information on internal structure of these hybrid composites i.e. distribution of particles and voids, particle/matrix interface and surface area distribution after different accumulative roll bonding passes. The volume and interface surface area distribution are responsible for strength and toughness of the composites along with other factors such as strain hardening and formation of ultrafine grains. We found that the mechanical properties improved as the number of accumulative roll bonding passes increases and the internal homogeneity of structure also improved. The composites after different accumulative roll bonding passes are studied where the number of reinforced particles and voids and their shape and size distribution were accurately being quantified in 3D to relate with mechanical properties of the composite. Such information should be of importance in analysis and improvement of the manufacturing process of these types of composites.