Study on the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of hot-rolled and T6-treated Al1060/Al6061-TiCp/Al1060 laminated composites

The Al1060/Al6061-TiCp/Al1060 laminated composites were successfully fabricated by combining powder metallurgy and hot rolling. A subsequent T6 treatment was employed to optimize the mechanical properties of the laminated composites. The through-thickness inhomogeneity of microstructure and texture was observed in the Al1060 layer. In the hot-rolled laminated composites, the surface of the Al1060 layer suffered shear deformation, and the r-cube shear texture was developed at the surface of the Al1060 layer. After the T6 treatment, the recrystallized grains near the surface of the Al1060 layer exhibited a reduced size compared to those near the interface. The recrystallization texture at the surface was the weak r-Goss orientation. The rolling texture of the Al6061-TiCp composite layer was characterized by the Goss and β fiber components, which strengthened with increasing rolling temperature. After the T6 treatment, the Al6061-TiCp composite layer was partially recrystallized. The recrystallization texture generated from the recrystallized grains was dominated by the R fiber deviating from the β fiber. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the T6 treated laminated composites indicated an enhancement compared to the hot-rolled laminated composites.