Interface characterization in tungsten fiber/Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite

In this research, Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloy is used as the base material to form tungsten fiber reinforced BMG composites. The composites are synthetized using melt infiltration casting method and their microstructure and compressive properties are investigated. Two different infiltration times of 10 min and 15 min are used to produce the composites. The microstructural evaluation of the interface between tungsten fiber and BMG matrix reveals that a narrow reaction band emerges between the tungsten wires and BMG alloy. Some portions of this layer are broken into the fine Zr/W-rich particles and eventually are dispersed in the BMG matrix, when the infiltration time is 15 min. The results also showed that increasing the infiltration time from 10 min to 15 min improves the compression strength of the composite from 1333 MPa to 1396 MPa and also increases the compression strain of the composite from 0.11 to 0.13. This is attributed to the lack of porosities and better metallurgical bonding between tungsten fibers and BMG matrix.