Processing of diamond-reinforced bulk metallic glass composites

A Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 bulk metallic glass reinforced with 20-30 μm diamond particles was produced using two production routes: induction mixing and particle floatation. A homogeneous particle distribution was achieved by the particle floatation technique, while induction mixing produced millimeter-size agglomerates. A model for this behavior is proposed. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and hardness measurements. High particle-matrix adhesion was found, and even a very low reinforcement volume fraction generated a significant increase in hardness, making these composites potential candidates for a new cutting tool material.