Bonding Properties of AA1050 Strips Fabricated Via Electrically Assisted Roll Bonding (EARB) Process

In this study, aluminium alloy 1050 strips were bonded together using the electrically assisted roll bonding process (EARB) at electric current levels from 0 A up to 300 A. The effect of electric current level and plastic strain as the two main EARB parameters have been investigated on bonding strength by using the peel test. Results showed that by increasing the electric current level and reduction in thickness, stronger bonding strength can be obtained. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to characterize the peeled surfaces of samples versus different thickness reduction ratios and electric current levels. Decreasing the forming strength of strips and increasing the bond strength of bonded strips about three times due to Joule heating effect in the EARB process was achieved. Moreover, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the peeled surfaces of samples after the peel test have been studied to investigate the bonding quality.