Al-based matrix composites reinforced with short Fe-based metallic glassy fiber

•Metallic glassy fibers are a promising alternative reinforcement for Al-based composites.•Both matrix and reinforcement belong to the family of metallic alloys.•Significant increased compressive strength compared to the unreinforced matrix.•The strengthening effect is strongly dependent on the fiber orientation at the shear slip plane.

Novel lightweight composites consisting of an Al matrix reinforced with short Fe-based metallic glassy fibers have been fabricated by powder metallurgy. A detailed microstructural characterization was carried out along with the analysis of their mechanical properties. The results reveal that the strength of the composites is greatly enhanced by the addition of the short glassy fibers, while maintaining good ductility. The yield strength increases by two and three times, with respect to pure Al matrix, for the composites reinforced with 20 and 40 vol.% of glassy fibers, respectively. The investigation on the fracture behavior reveals that the strengthening effect is strongly dependent on the fiber orientation and length.

Graphical abstractThe short glassy fibers retain their amorphous structure and are distributed homogenously in the matrix. The strength of the composites is greatly enhanced by the addition of the short glassy fibers, while maintaining good ductility. The strengthening effect is strongly dependent on the fiber orientation and length. These results show that metallic glassy fibers are a promising alternative reinforcement material for developing Al-based composites.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide