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A multilayer Al5052–Cu composite is prepared by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and the microstructure and mechanical properties are evaluated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile tests, and micro-hardness measurements. The results show that the thickness (1000 μm) of copper layers of the initial sample is reduced to ~7 μm after the fifth ARB cycle, while the thickness of Al layer increases. With increasing number of ARB cycles, the microhardness of both aluminum and copper layers is significantly increased. The tensile strength of the sandwich is enhanced continiousely, and the maximum value of 566.5 MPa is achieved. The high strength of 566.5 MPa and ductility of 9.61% is achieved, which is ~47 and ~21% higher, than the maximum values found out in the publications. The investigation of the tensile fracture of surfaces during ARB indicates that the increase in ARB cycles changes the fracture mechanism to shear ductile.

In the present study, an Al/Cu/Mg multi-layered composite was produced by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) through seven passes, and its microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated. The microstructure investigations show that plastic instability occurred in both the copper and magnesium reinforcements in the primary sandwich. In addition, a composite with a perfectly uniform distribution of copper and magnesium reinforcing layers was produced during the last pass. By increasing the number of ARB cycles, the microhardness of the layers including aluminum, copper, and magnesium was significantly increased. The ultimate tensile strength of the sandwich was enhanced continually and reached a maximum value of 355.5 MPa. This strength value was about 3.2, 2, and 2.1 times higher than the initial strength values for the aluminum, copper, and magnesium sheets, respectively. Investigation of tensile fracture surfaces during the ARB process indicated that the fracture mechanism changed to shear ductile at the seventh pass.