Cu-based metallic glass particle additions to significantly improve overall compressive properties of an Al alloy

We report the development of a novel light-weight Al (520) alloy-based composite reinforced with particles of a Cu-based (Cu₅₄Zr ₃₆Ti₁₀) metallic glass by mechanical milling followed by induction heated sintering. The consolidation of the composite is performed at a temperature in the super-cooled liquid region of the metallic glass just above its glass-transition temperature (T_g). Metallic glasses are a promising alternative reinforcement material for metal-matrix composites capable of producing significant strengthening along with a «friendly» sintering behavior. The mechanical milling procedures were properly established to allow reduction of the size of the metallic glass particles and their uniform distribution in the matrix. Microstructural observation of the composite did not reveal any porosity. The interface between the glassy particles and the matrix remained free of such defects. The fully dense consolidated composite showed a drastic gain in specific yield strength under compression relative to the matrix alloy and appreciable plasticity at fracture.