Effect of Precipitation Heat Treatment on a Mechanically Alloyed Al‐Based Composite Reinforced with Metallic Glassy Powder

An Al‐based composite reinforced with titanium‐based metallic glassy particles is synthesized by the powder metallurgy method through mechanical alloying followed by hot extrusion. The effect of precipitation heat treatment on the structure and properties of the composite is studied. During aging of the solution‐treated composite, crystallization of the metallic glassy reinforcement becomes more pronounced as the solutionizing temperature, solutionizing time, aging temperature, and aging time increase. A reaction layer has formed at the interface between the reinforcement and the matrix after the aging treatment. It is found that the addition of metallic glassy particles promotes precipitation of the nanophase in the matrix. With appropriate heat treatment, the compressive strength, yield strength, and fracture strain of the composite have increased to 942, 635 MPa, and 27%, respectively. Herein, it is demonstrated that the mechanical properties of these composites can be further enhanced through an appropriate heat treatment process, thereby having significant potential for a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and defense, where high‐strength, lightweight materials are critical for performance and safety.