Microstructure and Fracture Behavior of Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 Bulk Metallic Glass and Its Composites Containing ZrO2

The microstructure and fracture behavior of Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 monolithic glass and Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 reinforced with 5%-7% ZrO2 particles composites have been studied. Vein-like pattern is the main fracture morphology of the matrix, while the smooth regions can be observed on the composites fracture surface besides vein-like pattern. The fracture strength increases from 1716 MPa to 2138 MPa after adding 7vol% ZrO2 particles with average particle size of 1 μm into the matrix, but the composites show no visible plasticity due to formation of Cu10Zr7 and CuZr phases in the matrix.