Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of Zr 55 Al 10 Ni 5 Cu 30 Bulk Glass Composites Containing ZrC Particles Formed by the In-Situ Reaction

Bulk glassy Zr 55 Al 10 Ni 5 Cu 30 composites containing ZrC particles up to 17.5 vol% were formed by the in-situ reaction between the Zr metal and graphite powder during melting-process. The glassy composites had a cylindrical form of 2 mm in diameter by a copper mold casting process. The in-situ reaction was effective for the homogeneous dispersion of ZrC particles and for the achievement of excellent wettability between pure glass and ZrC particles. Mechanical properties, particularly fracture strength and plastic elongation, were significantly improved in comparison with those of the pure glass as well as the similar bulk glassy composite formed by addition of ZrC particles. The present study has demonstrated that the in-situ reaction method is useful for the synthesis of the bulk glassy composites consisting of glassy matrix and dispersed reinforce particles with excellent mechanical properties.