Microstructure and mechanical properties of STS304-continuous-fiber-reinforced Zr-based amorphous matrix composites fabricated by liquid pressing process

In this study, STS304-continuous-fiber-reinforced Zr-based amorphous matrix composites were fabricated by liquid pressing process, and their microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. The fabricated composites homogeneously contained about 60 vol.% of continuous fibers in the amorphous matrix, in which considerable amounts of polygonal crystalline particles and dendritic crystalline phases were formed by the diffusion of metallic elements from fibers. The ductility of the composites under compressive or tensile loading was drastically improved over that of the monolithic amorphous alloy, while their compressive and tensile strengths satisfied the rule of mixtures. Particularly in tensile loading, the deformation and fracture proceeded by crack formation and opening at matrices, necking of fibers, fiber/matrix interfacial separation, and cup-and-cone-type fracture of fibers, thereby resulting in very high tensile elongation of 6.6%. These findings suggested that the liquid pressing process was useful for the development of amorphous matrix composites with improved ductility and fracture toughness.