Wear behavior of Fe-based bulk metallic glass composites

Composite samples comprising Fe-based metallic glass particles and the crystalline Ni matrix were produced. Wear behavior was investigated by a pin-on-disc type tester using hardened steel as the counter material. It was concluded that the wear mechanism depended on the volume fraction of crystalline nickel in the composites. The transition from the brittle fracture to the adhesive wear was observed by increasing the volume fraction of ductile Ni in the composites.

Research highlights▶ Composites comprising Fe-based metallic glass and crystalline Ni were produced. ▶ Their wear behaviors were investigated by a pin-on-disc type tester. ▶ Composite samples displayed higher wear resistance than the monolithic BMG sample. ▶ Improved wear resistance of composites was due to an increase in the toughness. ▶ Adhesive wear was observed in the composite samples with a high fraction of Ni.