Deep drawable clad system and method thereof

Abstract

A clad system for preventing intermetallic compound formation includes a first layer, a liner, and a second layer. The liner prevents the formation of intermetallic compounds between the first and second layers during processes that may lead to intermetallic compound formation. The clad system may be bonded together using cold roll bonding and other such processes. The present disclosure relates to a clad system that includes two, three, four, five, or more layers of various materials and thicknesses and at least one liner, where one or more liners are clad to other layers.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a U.S. non-provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 404,016, filed September 6, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to deep drawable clad systems and methods thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] background Niobium-clad (Nb-clad) stainless steel has been demonstrated to be a viable material for use in several applications, including, but not limited to, bipolar plates in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). While various materials were considered for use in bipolar plates, metals offer advantages in low-cost mass production, excellent thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength (Hong, ST, Journal of Power Sources (2007)). The niobium-stainless steel system has been shown to have excellent corrosion resistance properties, due in part to niobium forming a passive oxide film on the metal surface that is very stable and leads to high electrode potentials. This oxide layer protects the metal from further degradation.

[0004] To produce well-defined parts that undergo severe forming operations (e.g., bending, stamping, etc.), clad systems must be annealed. Annealing temperatures for niobium can range from about 1600°F to about 2100°F, depending on the application and the type of properties required. Due to the high ductility of niobium and stainless steel, Nb-clad stainless steels can potentially be used in deep drawing (e.g., blanking) operations. However, research has shown that the formability and stability of Nb-clad stainless steels in deep drawing operations are compromised due to the formation of intermetallic compounds at the niobium-stainless steel interface (Hong, ST, Journal of Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. (2009)). These intermetallic compounds can form during annealing of the system at approximately 1800°F (i.e., 982°C). This research found that Fe2Nb3 (η phase) forms at the interface between the niobium and stainless steel. This intermetallic layer is brittle and fractures under stress, leading to failure of the Nb clad stainless steel part after deep drawing (eg, blanking). Therefore, there is a need for a system that addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hong, ST, Journal of Power Sources (2007) [Non-patent document 2] Hong, ST, Journal of Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. (2009) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview It should be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is illustrative and not limiting, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate its scope. Its sole purpose is to describe and illustrate certain concepts of the disclosure as a prelude to the more thorough and extensive detailed description that follows.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to cladding systems that include two, three, four, five, or more layers of various materials and thicknesses and at least one liner, where one or more liners are clad to other layers. Any number of layers and liners can be used to form cladding systems for various applications. The thickness and materials of the layers and liners can also be varied to suit various applications.

[0008] The layers may be made of metal. The first layer may be selected from a group of metals exhibiting desired properties, including, but not limited to, corrosion resistance and oxide layer formation. The material of the first layer may be selected from a group including, but not limited to, niobium, tantalum, titanium, and other such materials, and may have a thickness of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm. The material of the second layer may be selected from a group of metals including, but not limited to, iron, iron alloys, steel, stainless steel, steel alloys, and other such materials, and may have a thickness of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm.

[0009] The liner can also be made of metal. The liner material can be selected from a group of metals, including, but not limited to, copper, nickel, platinum, and other such materials, and can have a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm. The liner functions to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds with other layers in the system (e.g., a first layer of niobium and a second layer of stainless steel). The liner material and thickness should be selected to achieve this. The liner prevents the formation of intermetallic compounds with other layers during heat treatment, annealing, and other such processes.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a clad material that resists the formation of intermetallic compounds between two or more layers of the clad material. Intermetallic compound formation is prevented during processes including, but not limited to, heat treatment, annealing, and other such processes. The method includes providing a first layer, providing a liner, providing a second layer, and bonding the first layer, liner, and second layer together. Bonding can be achieved by various processes known in the art, including, but not limited to, cold roll bonding, plating, etc.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Features and components in the following figures are presented to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Throughout the figures, corresponding features and components may be designated with matching reference characters for consistency and clarity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the phase diagram that occurs between niobium and iron (Nb—Fe).

[0013] [Figure 2A] 2A-2B show the phase diagrams that occur between niobium and copper (FIG. 2A) and between iron and copper (FIG. 2B). [Figure 2B] Same as above.

[0014] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic process of cladding according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 4A] 4A-4B show diagrams of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Same as above.

[0016] [Figure 5A]5A-5B illustrate an embodiment of the present invention: Fig. 5A shows a clad component without a liner, resulting in an intermetallic compound; Fig. 5B shows a clad component with an intermediate liner and no intermetallic compound. [Figure 5B] Same as above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Detailed Description The present disclosure may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, as well as their foregoing and following descriptions. However, before the present compositions, systems, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular devices, systems, and / or methods disclosed, unless otherwise specified, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. I. Definition

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. However, any compositions, methods, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure. All publications mentioned are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0019] In the context of describing the invention claimed herein (particularly in the context of the claims), use of the terms "a," "an," "the," "the," and similar referents should be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0020] Unless otherwise stated herein, the recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and each separate value is incorporated herein to the same extent as if it were individually recited herein.

[0021] The use of the term "about" is intended to describe values ​​either above or below the stated value within approximately + / - 10%; in other embodiments, values ​​may range anywhere above or below the stated value within approximately + / - 5%; in other embodiments, values ​​may range anywhere above or below the stated value within approximately + / - 2%; and in other embodiments, values ​​may range anywhere above or below the stated value within approximately + / - 1%. The foregoing ranges are intended to be clarified by context, and no further limitations are implied. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (such as "for example") herein is intended merely to better clarify the disclosure and does not limit the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0022] As used herein, "bond strength" refers to the level of adhesion between two layers of material, such as metal, that are joined together by a bonding process. The bonding process may include cold rolling, plating, etc. "Bond strength" may be tested by various methods known in the art, including tensile testing, tensile shear testing, sliding shear testing, etc.

[0023] As used herein, "cladding" may refer to a process in which a layer of metal is formed on another layer of metal by diffusion, deformation, cold rolling, and other processes known in the art. Such processes may provide advantageous properties, such as protection of one of the metals, reduced material costs, and various other properties known in the art.

[0024] As used herein, "intermetallic compound" may refer to a compound containing proportions of two or more metallic elements. An intermetallic compound may have a crystal structure and properties that differ from those of the two or more metallic elements that make up the intermetallic compound. The formation of an intermetallic compound layer may result from a process that results in self-diffusion from a first material to a second material and vice versa. By way of non-limiting example, such processes may include heat treatment procedures, annealing procedures, and other such processes known in the metallurgical arts. An intermetallic compound may become brittle, leading to mechanical failure of the material.

[0025] As used herein, "deep drawing" may refer to a process in which a material is formed into a shape by stamping. In deep drawing, the material may be placed on a die and punched by a machine with great force to form a product of a desired size and shape. Materials that can withstand such a process without exhibiting mechanical failure are called "deep drawable."

[0026] There are other terms known in the art relevant to this disclosure and should be understood as used in the art unless otherwise specified. II. Deep-drawable clad systems

[0027] The present disclosure may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, as well as their foregoing and following descriptions. However, before the present systems and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular systems and / or methods disclosed, unless otherwise specified, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0028] The present disclosure relates to a clad system 10. The clad system 10 may include layers 100, 300 of materials bonded to and separated by a liner 200, as described in detail below. Such a clad system 10 may include niobium. The clad system may also include materials other than niobium based on desired properties. By way of non-limiting example, materials exhibiting corrosion resistance, acid resistance, oxide layer formation, high drawability, electrochemical performance, contact resistance, other such desired properties, and any combination thereof, may be selected for the layers 100, 300 of a clad system 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The required parameters will vary depending on the desired application. In such embodiments, the material's tendency to form an oxide layer that acts as a passivating layer to prevent corrosion in acidic environments may be a desired property of the material selected for use in the clad system 10. Non-limiting examples of such materials are tantalum, titanium, vanadium, platinum, and other such materials known in the art. Niobium may be selected for its cost benefits as well as its aforementioned properties. For example, tantalum, which shares many of the same properties as niobium, costs about four to six times more than niobium.

[0029] The present disclosure relates to the use of a liner 200 to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds between adjacent materials / layers (e.g., FIG. 5A ) at interfaces in a clad system 10. As described above, the clad system 10 includes layers 100, 300 of materials. Such materials / layers may include one, two, three, or more metals. The metals may include a first metal, including, but not limited to, niobium, tantalum, titanium, and other such materials, and a second metal, including, but not limited to, iron, iron alloys, steel, stainless steel, steel alloys, and other such materials known in the art. In such embodiments, the first metal may be selected to optimize corrosion resistance, while the second metal may provide alternative benefits, including, but not limited to, structural stability, durability, cost reduction, etc. These two layers / materials may form a first layer 100 and a second layer 300. The first layer 100 may have a first surface 102, a second surface 104, and a thickness 110. The second layer 300 may include a first surface 302 , a second surface 304 , and a thickness 310 .

[0030] Additionally, the thicknesses 110 and 310 of the first layer 100 and second layer 300 can be selected according to the requirements of a selected application of the clad system 10. For example, the thicknesses of the layers 100, 300 can be selected based on the application environment of the respective completed clad system 10. As a non-limiting example, in applications where corrosion is to be avoided, a first layer 100 comprising a corrosion-resistant material (e.g., niobium) may be desirable. In such embodiments, the first layer 100 can be made thinner to reduce costs, while the second layer 300 can have a thickness 310 that is greater than the thickness of the first layer 110. In such embodiments, the greater thickness 310 of the second layer 300 compared to the thickness 110 of the first layer 100 provides increased structural integrity and cost savings. In a further such embodiment, if the overall thickness of the cladding system 10 is fixed as required for some reason given the application, the second layer 300 may require an increased thickness 310 to make up for the thickness lost due to the thinner first layer 100. This can be done if the material of that second layer 300 may be less expensive than the material of the first layer 100, yet still complements a property that the material of the first layer 100 does not have or that is reduced when made thinner, or a complementary property of the first layer 100. In such an example, the first layer 100 may comprise a more expensive material than the material of the second layer 300.

[0031] As an additional non-limiting example, a first layer 100 comprising a corrosion-resistant material (e.g., niobium) may have a greater thickness 110 when the first layer 100 is used in a highly acidic environment compared to other applications. As previously discussed, the thickness of the second layer 310 may be determined based on the overall system 10 thickness requirements in light of the first layer thickness 110. For example, increased acidity may require an increased first layer 100 thickness 110. As a non-limiting example, the thicknesses 110, 310 of the first layer 100 and second layer 300 may range from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm. The thicknesses 110, 310 may also be selected from a range including, but not limited to, about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, about 2.0 mm to about 2.5 mm, and all ranges therebetween. The overall thickness of the cladding system 10 is determined by the requirements of a particular application.

[0032] The cladding system 10 may also include a liner 200. In one embodiment, the liner 200 may have a first surface 202, a second surface 204, and a thickness 210. One of the surfaces 202, 204 of the liner 200 may be configured to abut one of the surfaces 102, 104 of the first layer 100. In addition, the surfaces 202, 204 of the liner 200 may be further configured to abut one of the surfaces 302, 304 of the second layer 300 on an opposite side from the surface 202, 204 that abuts one of the surfaces 102, 104 of the first layer, as shown in FIG. 3. The liner 200 may include a material capable of inhibiting intermetallic compound formation between the first layer 100 and the second layer 300, as described herein (see, e.g., FIG. 5B).

[0033] In one embodiment, liner 200 can be made from a variety of materials having desired properties, including, but not limited to, a high melting point, resistance to intermetallic compound formation, formability after material processing, high ductility, and sufficient thickness, although other properties may also be desirable as known in the art. In one embodiment, liner 200 is made from a material that can withstand the deep drawing process so that clad system 10 is entirely deep drawable. In one embodiment, the liner may be metallic.

[0034] Furthermore, the liner 200 may be selected based on the materials of the first layer 100 and the second layer 300 to ensure ease of cladding between the three (first layer 100, liner 200, and second layer 300). In such embodiments, certain parameters are used in determining the ease of cladding. By way of non-limiting example, the ductility of the liner 200, the compatibility of the crystal structures within the liner 200 and the first layer 100 and second layer 300 (e.g., face-centered cubic (FCC), body-centered cubic (BCC), hexagonal close-packed (HCP), etc.), and other such factors known in the art may be considered.

[0035] The material used for the liner 200 may be selected to have a high melting point that occurs at temperatures higher than those of known processes that form intermetallic compounds. The temperatures required for these processes may be determined by the metals and materials involved, as well as other such factors known in the art. In such embodiments, the processes include heat treatments, annealing, and other such processes that occur at temperatures that result in diffusion between two metals. Such diffusion results in a phase (i.e., an intermetallic compound) that is brittle and more likely to exhibit mechanical failure. As a non-limiting example, an intermetallic compound may be formed by an annealing process that occurs at approximately 1800°F (i.e., approximately 982°C) for a niobium-304 stainless steel system. A material may be selected for the liner 200 that has a high melting point that occurs at temperatures higher than those associated with such processes. Such a material selection may prevent the liner 200 from melting and diffusing into the first layer 100, the second layer 300, or a combination thereof. Preventing melting and subsequent diffusion of the liner 200 may provide a system 10 that prevents the formation of intermetallic compounds. An exemplary phase diagram illustrating the interaction of niobium and 304 stainless steel is provided in Figure 1. The diagram shows exemplary temperatures and compositions that may lead to the formation of intermetallic phases (shaded areas). In such embodiments, the exemplary temperatures and compositions may be present during treatment processes, including, but not limited to, annealing, as described above. The presence of liner 200, which has a high melting point, may prevent intermetallic formation that would otherwise occur, as described above.

[0036] As mentioned above, the material of the liner 200 is selected to avoid intermetallic compound formation due to its inherent interaction with the materials of the first layer 100 and the second layer 300. FIG. 5A shows an example of intermetallic compounds in a cross section of a clad material using niobium-304 stainless steel annealed at approximately 1850°F. It is an inherent property of a particular material that certain phases may or may not form depending on the material composition and temperature. As a non-limiting example, the liner 200 may be copper. The material of the first layer 100 may be niobium. The material of the second layer 300 may be stainless steel. In such an example, FIGS. 2A-2B show a phase diagram between the liner 200 made of copper and the first layer 100 made of niobium (FIG. 2A), and a phase diagram between the liner 200 made of copper and the second layer 300 made of alloy steel (FIG. 2B). Because the exemplary system 10 comprises a niobium first layer 100 in contact with a copper liner 200, which in turn is in contact with a steel alloy second layer 300, FIGS. 2A-2B show that no intermetallic phase formation occurs between the associated components. Similarly, FIG. 5B shows a cross section of NB / Cu / S430 annealed at 1850°F, where no intermetallic phases are present. In such embodiments, the prevention of intermetallic phase formation is inherent in the materials selected. In such embodiments, additional materials embodying the same properties may be selected. Such materials are provided throughout this disclosure.

[0037] Material processing related to formability may include heat treatments and other processes known in the art. High ductility may include a level of ductility that facilitates rolling the material so that it can be sufficiently clad to form the final product. The ductility of a material may be related to certain material properties. As a non-limiting example, ductility may relate to a material's ability to elongate under tensile stress while still maintaining its yield strength and tensile strength. In such aspects, yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation help quantify the ductility of a material. Table 1 below provides examples of common ductile materials that can be easily formed and roll-bonded, and their associated mechanical properties. It should be understood that Table 1 is exemplary and does not encompass all ductile materials that may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Table 1. Examples of ductile materials [Table 1]

[0038] As described above, the liner 200 has a thickness 210. In such embodiments, the thickness 210 should be sufficient to prevent intermetallic compound formation between the first layer 100 and the second layer 300. In such embodiments, the thickness 210 should be sufficient to allow the liner 200 to function as a barrier between the first layer 100 and the second layer 300, preventing diffusion of the layer 100 into the second layer 300 during heat treatment. The liner thickness 210 may be limited by the required final properties of the system 10. As a non-limiting example, a copper liner 200 may be limited due to cost, weight, and conductivity constraints. In such an example, an increased thickness 210 of the copper liner 200 may increase the conductivity of the system 10 to an undesirable level. As a non-limiting example, the thickness 210 may be selected from a range of about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm. The thickness 210 may also be selected from other ranges, including, but not limited to, about 0.1 mm to about 2.9 mm, about 0.2 mm to about 2.8 mm, about 0.3 mm to about 2.7 mm, about 0.4 mm to about 2.6 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, about 0.6 mm to about 2.4 mm, and all ranges therebetween. By way of non-limiting example, such metals may include copper, nickel, platinum, and other such metals known in the art. Such metals exhibit desirable properties for the liner 200, including, but not limited to, an inert state that is passive and corrosion-resistant in acidic environments. By way of non-limiting example, copper may constitute a material that further includes desirable properties due to its absence of intermetallic compound formation with layers 100 and 300, ease of cladding, high ductility, cost, and other such factors, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B .

[0039] Clad system 10 may comprise two, three, four, five, or more metal layers of various materials and thicknesses, with liners found between the layers, as described herein. By way of non-limiting example, such a system 10 is useful in applications where only one surface is exposed to a corrosive (e.g., acidic) environment, while another layer provides strength, durability, weldability, and other such desired properties to system 10. By way of non-limiting example, such a system may be used as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plate.

[0040] An exemplary clad system 10 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary clad system 10 comprising three layers of various materials and thicknesses and two liners. The clad system of FIG. 4A comprises a first layer 100 of niobium, a copper liner 200, a second layer 300 of stainless steel, an additional copper liner 200, and a third layer 400 of niobium. The third layer 400 comprises two surfaces 402, 404 and a thickness 410. Such a clad system 10 may prove useful in applications where the properties of a material such as niobium (e.g., corrosion resistance, acid resistance, oxide layer formation, high drawability, etc.) are required on two outer surfaces (e.g., 102, 404). As a non-limiting example, such a system 10 may be useful in applications where the system 10 is fully immersed in a corrosive (e.g., highly acidic) environment.

[0041] FIG. 4B shows an exemplary clad system 10 comprising two layers of various materials and thicknesses and a liner. The clad system of FIG. 4B comprises a first layer 100 of niobium, a copper liner 200, and a second layer 300 of stainless steel. Such a clad system 10 may prove useful in applications where the properties of a material such as niobium (e.g., corrosion resistance, acid resistance, oxide layer formation, high drawability, etc.) are required on one outer surface (e.g., 102). FIGS. 4A-4B are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting.

[0042] The present disclosure relates to methods of bonding. In such embodiments, bonding may be selected from any process known in the art for achieving intimate contact between two materials. In additional embodiments, bonding methods that avoid the formation of an oxide layer during processing may be utilized. In such embodiments, preventing oxide formation allows for ideal bond strength between the layers and maximum strength (e.g., tensile, yield, etc.) of the final clad system 10. In such embodiments, a bonding process that occurs at room temperature with minimal heat may prevent oxide formation, although other methods of preventing oxide formation are known in the art. By way of non-limiting example, bonding may be selected from processes including, but not limited to, cold rolling, plating, and other such methods known in the art. Such bonding may include bonding a first layer 100, a liner 200, and a second layer 300, as shown in FIG. 3. Such bonding may result in the formation of a clad system 10, preventing intermetallic compound formation between the first layer 100 and the second layer 300. Prevention of intermetallic compound formation may be achieved through the use of a liner 200. The cladding system 10 can be configured for use in a variety of processes. Such processes may require corrosion resistance. By way of non-limiting example, electrochemical environments in which protection of the anode and cathode surfaces is necessary due to several factors (e.g., acidic process conditions, high temperature applications, etc.) may require a cladding system 10 having corrosion resistance. By way of non-limiting example, additional processes may include processes occurring in batch reactors, processes occurring in acidic reactors, processes occurring in batteries, and other such processes known in the art. Battery processes may include processes occurring in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), but other battery and fuel cell processes may also be included.

[0043] While several embodiments have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it will be understood that many modifications and other embodiments to which the present disclosure pertains will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is therefore understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of any claims that may recite the disclosed subject matter. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations and subcombinations of all elements, features, and embodiments described above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure herein, and all possible claims directed to individual embodiments or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. a. a first layer; b. a second layer; c. Liner and wherein the first layer, the liner, and the second layer are clad together with the liner between the first layer and the second layer to create the clad system, and the liner is configured to enable the clad system to resist the formation of an intermetallic compound between the first layer and the second layer.

2. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the first layer comprises a metal.

3. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the first layer is selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum, titanium, vanadium, and platinum.

4. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the first layer comprises a thickness of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm.

5. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the first layer is corrosion resistant and capable of forming an oxide layer.

6. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the liner comprises a metal.

7. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the liner is selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, and platinum.

8. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the liner comprises a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm.

9. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the liner prevents the formation of an intermetallic compound between the first layer and the second layer.

10. The clad system of claim 9 , wherein the clad system does not form intermetallic compounds during heat treatment, annealing, and other such processes.

11. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the liner is clad to the first and second layers.

12. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises a metal.

13. The clad system of claim 1 , wherein the second layer is selected from the group consisting of iron, iron alloys, steel, stainless steel, and steel alloys.

14. The cladding system of claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises a thickness of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm.

15. 1. A method for forming a cladding material that is resistant to the formation of intermetallic compounds, the method comprising: a. providing a first layer; b. providing a liner; c. providing a second layer; d. bonding the first layer, the liner, and the second layer together to form a cladding material; A method comprising:

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the liner prevents the formation of the intermetallic compound between the first layer and the second layer.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the formation of an intermetallic compound between the first layer and the second layer is prevented during a process selected from the group consisting of heat treating, annealing, and other such processes.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the bonding step includes cold roll bonding, plating, and other such processes.

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