Enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of a Mg–Zn–Ca bulk metallic glass composite by Fe particle addition

Mg69Zn27Ca4 with a spot of Fe particle-reinforced alloys was synthesized by Cu-mold injection casting using industrial raw materials. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of these Mg-based alloys were studied by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, compressive testing and electrochemical measurements, respectively. The Mg69Zn27Ca4 alloy can be controlled to become fully amorphous using the industrial raw materials. With Fe particle addition, ductile α-Mg and Mg–Zn dendrites were embedded in the amorphous matrix, which enhanced the compressive strength and fracture strain. The Mg69Zn27Ca4 glassy alloy and Mg69Zn27Ca4/Fe alloy remarkably improved the corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution compared with AZ31 and pure Mg. Therefore, Mg69Zn27Ca4 and Mg69Zn27Ca4/Fe alloys have high potential as engineering materials.

► Mg–Zn–Ca/Fe bulk metallic glass composites were prepared by copper mold cast.
► Mg–Zn–Ca/Fe bulk metallic glass composite has a high strength of 648 MPa.
► By adding Fe particle, the high strength alloy with good corrosion resistance.