Metallic glass particle reinforced Al-based and (Al-Ni)-based metal matrix composites

Metallic glass particle reinforced Al-based and (Al-Ni)-based metal matrix composites are obtained by explosive compaction of powders. These composites contain no Mach holes, cracks, or other obvious defects. The mass fraction of the amorphous phase is varied from 5 to 20%. The x-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis of the composite specimens show that the amorphous phase is maintained in the composites without crystallization during the compaction. Furthermore, photographs of the composites obtained on a scanning electron microscope show that the metallic glass particles are uniformly distributed in the matrix. Compared to monolithic aluminum, the composites have a higher Rockwell hardness proportional to the mass fraction of the reinforcing amorphous phase.