Carbon-nanotube-reinforced Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 bulk metallic glass composites

Carbon-nanotube (CNT) reinforced Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites are prepared by the conventional die cast method. A large amount of CNTs still keep their seamless cylindrical morphology in the glassy matrix, even though some CNTs react with Zr, resulting in the formation of ZrC phase. Investigation shows that the elastic moduli, Vicker's hardness, density, and Debye temperature of the composite are markedly changed by introducing CNTs into the glass. Our results suggest that CNTs are promising materials for preparing reinforced, lightweight bulk metallic glass composites with improved mechanical and physical properties relative to the undoped glass. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.