Effect of electric current on the anisotropic deformation behavior of Ti/Al laminated composite

Titanium/Aluminum (Ti/Al) laminated composites (LC) present several advantages, including lightweight construction, high specific strength, and exceptional corrosion resistance. However, Ti/Al LC produced through rolling deformation often exhibit deformation anisotropy due to the development of specific texture characteristics. The electro-plasticity effect (EPE), which encompasses Joule heating and non-thermal effects, generated by the electrically assisted forming (EAF) process can reduce deformation resistance and enhance plasticity. This study conducted electrically assisted tensile (EAT) tests on Ti/Al LC in the rolling direction (RD), 45° to the RD, and transverse direction (TD) under varying current levels, yielding fundamental mechanical properties and anisotropic parameters of the materials. The sample interfaces were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technology, systematically investigating the impact of current on the tensile properties and texture evolution of Ti/Al LC. Analysis of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) and low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), changes in geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs), texture evolution, slip modes, Schmid factors, and Taylor factors indicates that the anisotropic tensile deformation behavior arises from anisotropic slip modes. Under constant current frequency, as the current increases, the forming force of Ti/Al LC decreases significantly, while elongation increases. Under low current conditions, changes in the orientation of grains in the Al layer of Ti/Al LC are primarily promoted, affecting the the texture and slip of the material, which further alters elongation. These findings provide theoretical guidance and technical support for advancing the application of plastic forming technology in heterogeneous metal laminated composites (MLC) under specialized energy field-assisted conditions.