Synergistic solid–liquid composite and rapid solidification preparation of aluminum-clad steel wires

Solid-liquid composites and rapid solidification were synergistically employed to improve the interfacial-bonding and mechanical properties of prepared aluminum-clad steel wires. The effects of the process parameters on the performance of the wires were studied. The experimental results showed that good metallurgical interfaces can be prepared because of the synergistic strengthening effects between the solid–liquid composite and rapid solidification. The interfacial diffusion zone composed of FeAl3 and Fe2Al5 increased the bonding strength of the wires by 13 % compared with that of wires prepared by using the rolling process. The equiaxed fine crystal tissue morphology of the cladding aluminum and twin crystal organization resulted in good mechanical properties. Compared with LB35 and LB40, the conductivity and tensile strength were increased by 14 % and 22 %, respectively.