Ultrasonic-assisted fabrication of metallic glass composites

Metallic glass composites (MGCs) inherit the high strength of their glassy matrix and exhibit remarkable plastic deformation, hence have great potential in engineering applications. However, their preparation often relays on arduous component exploration or involves elusive technological process. Here, we report a facile route to fabricate MGC using ultrasonic vibration (UV) and the fabrication process can be manually controlled. By appropriately modulating the amplitude and time of UV, the MGCs with different proportion of crystalline phase can be obtained readily and accurately in seconds under low-pressure at room temperature owing to the unique soften behavior of MG under UV. The deformation behavior and the hardness were evaluated using nano -indentation testing, demonstrating better ductility when compared with the as-cast sample and reduced hardness for the MGCs as increased proportion of crystalline phase. These results may provide a new approach for the rapid and controllable fabrication of MGCs with designed properties.

Automated summary

A facile route to fabricate metallic glass composites (MGCs) using ultrasonic vibration (UV) is reported in this study. The MGCs with different proportion of crystalline phase can be obtained rapidly and accurately by modulating the UV parameters. The MGCs exhibit better ductility and reduced hardness compared to the as-cast samples.