Abstract
Deformation behavior of a rolled Al-15 vol% B4C composite was studied at high temperatures, using single- tensile tests over a wide range of strain rates. The deformation of the composite is characterized by high apparent stress exponent, na and high activation energy, Qa, which are higher than those reported in pure Al. The analysis showed the presence of threshold stress that its value increases with decreasing the testing temperature. Using the threshold stress in the analysis, the obtained values of the true stress exponents, nt of ~ 5 and the true activation energy, Qt of 130 kJ mol−1, were similar to those reported for pure Al. TEM results of subgrain formation along with the mechanical data (nt and Qt) suggest that dislocation climb in the Al matrix is the rate controlling mechanism. The elongation (ef %) showed a maximum value at 500 °C at intermediate value of Zener-Hollomon parameter, Z. The fracture surfaces of tested samples are characterized by mixed modes of ductile (dimple formation) and brittle (cleavage) failures, which were dependent on the deformation conditions of temperature and strain rate.
•High temperature deformation of Al-15 vol% B4C was investigated in detail over wide ranges of strain rate and temperatures.•The results suggested the presence of threshold stress.•The analysis based on effective stress, suggested that dislocation climb is the rate controlling process.•TEM study showed formation of subgrains and supported the findings of the mechanical data.•Details of fracture surface after failure at various temperatures and strain rates.