Synthesis and properties of bulk metallic glass matrix composites

Abstract

Bulk metallic glass matrix composites are processed and investigated by X-ray diffraction, DSC, optical microscopy, SEM, microprobe, TEM, and mechanical testing. Ceramics such as SiC, WC, or TiC, and the metals W or Ta are introduced as reinforcements into the metallic melt. The metallic glass matrix remains amorphous after adding up to 30 vol% of particles. The thermal stability of the matrix does not deteriorate after adding the particles. ZrC layers form at the interfaces between the bulk metallic glasses and the WC or SiC particles. Si and W are released into the matrix in which Si enhanced the glass forming ability. The composites are tested in compression and tension experiments. Compressive strain to failure increases by over 300% compared to the unreinforced Zr57Nb5Al10CU15.4Ni12.6 and the energy to break of the tensile samples increases by over 50% adding 15 vol. % W.