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 (% Vf) 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.