Microstructure and properties of ceramic particulate reinforced metallic glassy matrix composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering

We fabricated Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 bulk metallic glassy matrix composites (MGMCs) containing ceramic Al2O3 or Si3N4 particulates by a spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. Microstructure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the fabricated bulk MGMCs were investigated. The matrix of the fabricated MGMC specimens maintained a glassy phase after the SPS process. The fabricated MGMC specimens showed thermal stability similar to that of the original gas-atomized glassy alloy powder. Good bonding between the metallic glassy powder and ceramic particulate was recognized. The added ceramic Al2O3 or Si3N4 particulates were found to be homogenously distributed within the sintered samples and play an important role in the enhancement of plasticity.