Fabrication of ZrCuAlNi metallic glassy matrix composite containing ZrO2 particles by spark plasma sintering process

Abstract

Using a mixed powder of argon gas-atomized Zr55Cu 30Al10Ni5 metallic glassy alloy powder blended with 10vol% ZrO2 powder, Zr55Cu30Al 10Ni5 bulk metallic glassy matrix composite was fabricated by a spark plasma sintering process. The structure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the sintered bulk metallic glassy matrix composite were investigated. The ZrO2 particles were homogeneously dispersed in the Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 glassy matrix. No crystallization of the glassy matrix occurred during the spark plasma sintering process. The crystallization behavior of the sintered composite was similar to that of the metallic glassy powder. The sintered composite specimen exhibited larger plastic ductility than that of the as-cast Zr55Cu 30Al10Ni5 glassy alloy rod specimen. The increase in the plastic ductility is proposed to originate from the structural inhomogeneity caused by the ZrO2 ceramic particles. © 2007 The Japan Institute of Metals.