Synthesis and characteristics of 80 vol.% tungsten (W) fibre/Zr based metallic glass composite

Based on full understanding of wettability between Zr based bulk metallic glass (BMG) matrix and tungsten (W) fibre, and liquid/solid interfacial atomic interaction, the high density and high strength 80 vol.% W fibre/Zr based BMG composite, with optimum interfacial layer, was successfully developed by strictly controlling the infiltration and solidification process. Its density was 17 g/cm(3). The average value of tensile fracture strength was 1685 MPa. Fracture mode represented instant rupture which was vertical to the axial direction. The average value of compressive fracture strength and strain were 2550 MPa and 23% respectively. Its fracture mode was complex splitting along loading direction. The initiation of shear bands occurred when the compressive specimen reached plastic strength. Shear bands' continuous expanding, branching, propagation and build up responded the improvement of plasticity under the continuous loading. Shear bands distributed on the fracture surface in two ways. One was consistent with the maximum shear force direction and at 45 degrees angle with the loading direction. The other was nearly horizontal and vertical to the loading direction. The characteristics of plastic deformation and fracture were also investigated and discussed in detail. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.