Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
Tungsten (W) fiber reinforced Zr47Ti13Cu11Ni10Be16Nb3 bulk metallic glass composite has been prepared by melt infiltration casting. Interfacial characteristics of the composite were analyzed by sessile drop technique, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe x-ray microanalysis (EPMA), and nanoindenter. Results indicate that Zr47Ti13Cu11Ni10Be16Nb3 melt wets the W substrate, and the interfacial bond composed of a diffusion–dissolution layer between Zr47Ti13Cu11Ni10Be16Nb3 matrix and W fiber is in good condition. Due to these excellent interfacial characteristics, the mechanical properties of the composite are considerably enhanced with increasing volume fraction of W fiber. It was found that the compressive strength of 70% volume fraction of W fiber composite is 2.6 GPa, which is 58% higher than the value exhibited by the unreinforced matrix. At the same time, the reinforced matrix exhibits 13% plastic deformation when tested under quasi-static compression conditions. Instead of shear mode seen for the unreinforced matrix, the failure mode of the 70% volume fraction W fiber composite is mainly caused by fiber splitting and buckling. Also, the W fiber hinders localized shear bands from propagating and gives rise to multiple shear bands, which results in the enhancement of the compressive strength and plastic deformation.