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

The feasibility to fabricate the tungsten and STS-fiber-reinforced amorphous alloy matrix composites was verified by analyses of the thermal stress and cooling behavior between matrix and metallic fibers. Approximately 50 to 65 vol pct of fibers were homogeneously distributed inside the amorphous matrix, although the matrix of the STS-fiber-reinforced composite contained a small amount of crystalline phases. The compressive test results indicated that the tungsten-fiber-reinforced composite was not fractured at one time after reaching the maximum compressive strength of 2060 MPa, but showed some ductility as the compressive load was sustained by fibers. The STS-fiber-reinforced composite showed the maximum strength of about 1050 MPa, and its strength maintained over 800 MPa until reaching the strain of 40 pct. Both tungsten and STS fibers favorably affected the strength and ductility of the composites by interrupting the propagation of shear bands formed in the amorphous matrix, by dispersing the stress applied to the matrix, and by promoting deformation mechanisms such as fiber buckling. These findings confirmed the possibility to apply the continuous-fiber-reinforced amorphous alloy matrix composites to structural materials requiring excellent properties.