Processing, microstructure and properties of ductile metal particulate reinforced Zr57Nb5Al10CU15.4Ni12.6 bulk metallic glass composites

The Zr57Nb5Al10Cu15.4Ni12.6 bulk metallic glass forming liquid is reinforced,with up to 50 Volume-percent (% V-f) Ta, Nb, or Mo particles. An extensive reaction layer of varying composition formed in the metallic-glass matrix surrounding the particles. A characterization based on X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, electron microprobe, and scanning electron microscopy is presented. The composites were tested in compression and tension. Compressive strain-to-failure increased by up to a factor of 12 compared to the unreinforced Zr57Nb5Al10Cu15.4Ni12.6 bulk metallic glass. The increase in compressive strain-to-failure is due to the particles restricting shear band propagation, promoting the generation of multiple shear bands and additional fracture surface area. (C) 2002 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.