Microstructures and properties of metal reinforced bulk metallic glass composites

Abstract

To increase the toughness of a metallic glass, it was used as the matrix in continuous fiber composites reinforced with W and also in particulate composites reinforced with W and Ta. Structure, microstructure and thermal stability of the composites are studied by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The metallic glass matrix remains amorphous after adding up to 80 vol.% of wires or 5-50 vol.% of particles. The reactions at the interfaces between the matrix and the reinforcing materials are investigated with transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the composites are studied in compression and tension. Changed fracture behavior in composites is observed.