Application of semisolid process to Zr-based metallic glass matrix composites

The effect of the cooling slope on the structure of Zr-based metallic glass matrix composites was investigated by changing the cooling slope. The synthesis of bulk metallic glass composites was made by a process combining cooling slope casting and Cu mold casting for Zr66.4Nb6.4Cu10.5Ni8.7Al8 alloys. The results show that the semisolid slurry which consists of the spheroidal or rosette-type BCC crystals and the liquid phase which forms metallic glass phase can be formed by the cooling slope process in this alloy system. However, the semisolid slurry cannot reach to the mold. It is considered that higher viscosity of the liquid phase which forms metallic glass phase causes this result. Thus, parameters of the cooling slope have to be examined further.