Aluminum alloy composites with improved electrical conductivity and high strength and methods and use

摘要

An aluminum alloy composite material includes a higher strength aluminum alloy core material layer and at least one cladding aluminum alloy material layer having a higher electrical conductivity than the core material. The cladding layer is positioned adjacent to the core and the composite is adapted for particular application in heat exchangers where brazing is conducted under controlled atmospheres with special flux materials. The core material has an electrical conductivity less than 50% IACS and the cladding layer has an electrical conductivity greater than 50% IACS. The cladding layer can be on one or both surfaces of the core layer. The thickness of the cladding layer can range between about 2.5 and 40% of the overall composite thickness depending on whether one or more cladding layers are employed. The cladding layer also has a corrosion potential more negative than the core layer for enhanced corrosion resistance.