Cryogenic Charpy impact testing of metallic glass matrix composites

Compact Charpy impact testing was employed to investigate the effect of low temperatures on the impact toughness of bulk metallic glass matrix composites (BMGMCs). Samples were fabricated via suction casting and impacted from room temperature down to liquid nitrogen temperature. Unlike monolithic glasses, BMGMCs do exhibit a steep decrease in toughness as the temperature is reduced from the ambient, caused by embrittlement in the ductile reinforcing phase. However, at cryogenic temperatures, BMGMCs have a toughness equivalent to their glassy matrix.