Comparison of Rolling and Transverse Direction Properties of Al/Ti Laminated Metal Composites Prepared by Cold Roll Bonding and Subsequent Annealing

This study investigates the influence of annealing temperature and durations on the microstructural, tensile, and fracture toughness properties of Al/Ti laminated metal composite (LMC) in the rolling and transverse directions. Evaluation of the microstructure findings indicated the presence of elongated grains and shear bands in the Al and Ti layers, along with numerous twins in the Ti layer. Specifically, annealing at 550 °C and 600 °C for 6 h initiated recrystallization in the Ti layer. The fracture toughness of the specimens was affected by several factors, including tensile strength, grain size, cutting orientation, formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs), and recrystallization. A comparison between rolling and transverse directions showed that the grain boundary length was higher in rolling directions, leading to improved resistance to crack propagation. The highest tensile strength (243 MPa) and fracture toughness (35 MPa m0.5) was achieved at 600 °C in the RD.