Microstructure and texture evolution during the groove rolling of cast aluminum/carbon nanotube composites

Abstract

Aluminum/carbon nanotubes composites have been processed by ingot metallurgy route. The cast ingots are subjected to 94% thickness reduction by groove rolling. In the composite with the lower concentration of aluminum/carbon nanotubes, the deformation of the matrix is homogeneous due to sparse distribution of aluminum/carbon nanotubes. However, on higher aluminum/carbon nanotube addition, sub-grain formation is confined closer to the prior aluminum/carbon nanotube regions indicating heterogeneity in deformation. Deformation texture of the rolled composites weakened with increasing aluminum/carbon nanotube content, due to the random distribution of sub-grain orientation near aluminum/carbon nanotube particles. Raman spectroscopy of the composite indicated two peaks first at 1336 cm−1 and the second at 1566 cm−1 corresponding to the D and G bands, respectively, and also the generation of surface defects in aluminum/carbon nanotubes during the rolling process.