Microstructure and tensile codeformation characteristics of aluminum/steel heterogeneous composite plates prepared via rheological composite cast-rolling

In this work, 6061/Q235 composite plates were prepared by rheological composite casting-rolling technology, and the effect of isothermal diffusion time on their microstructure and tensile properties was studied. Results showed that the diffusion layer was mainly composed of FeAl₃ and Fe₂Al₅ phases, and denser FeAl₃ and fine Fe₂Al₅ phases are beneficial for improving strength and elongation. The variation trend of the tensile properties of the composite plates was the same as that of the aluminum matrices, the properties first improved and then degraded with increasing isothermal diffusion time. The coordinated deformation ability and tensile properties of the composite plates were maximized after isothermal diffusion for 60 s, and the experimental values of tensile properties were higher than the theoretical ones.