Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum alloy matrix composites reinforced with Fe-based metallic glass particles

• Al-2024/FMG composites have been prepared by powder metallurgy method.
• Mechanical milling resulted in significant grain refinement of the Al matrix.
• The high strength is attributed to the refined microstructure and FMG particles.

Fe-based metallic glass (FMG) particles reinforced Al-2024 matrix composites were fabricated by using the powder metallurgy method successfully. Mechanical alloying result in nanostructured Al-2024 matrix with a grain size of about 30 nm together with a good distribution of the FMG particles in the Al matrix. The consolidation of the composites was performed at a temperature in the super-cooled liquid region of the FMG particles, where the FMG particles act as a soft liquid-like binder, resulting in composites with low or zero porosity. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and compression test. The yield and fracture strength of the composites are 403 MPa and 660 MPa, respectively, while retaining a considerable fracture deformation of about 12%. The strengthening mechanism is associated with the grain refinement of the matrix and uniform distribution of the FMG particles.