Aluminum alloy matrix composite reinforced with metallic glasses particles using hot-roll bonding

Abstract

Composite materials (CM) exhibit high hardness, strength and wear resistance with slightly limited processing properties. The most popular reinforcing components for discretely reinforced composites are carbide, nitride or oxide particles. Amorphous metal materials can be used as an alternative reinforcing component since reinforcement with these particles can ensure improved properties due to higher strength of interfacial bonding between the particles and matrix as compared to traditional reinforcements. A metal matrix composite sheet was obtained based on the Al—5%Zn—5%Ca alloy reinforced by particles of Co 48 Cr 15 Mo 14 C 15 B 6 Tm 2 amorphous metallic glasses with the AA5083 cladding layer. The central layer thickness of the Al—5%Zn—5%Ca alloy reinforced by metallic glass particles covered 60 % of the sheet thickness, and the cladding layer covered 40 % in total. Composite material granules were obtained by mechanical alloying with their subsequent consolidation by hot-roll bonding in the cladding shell at the temperature below the amorphous component devitrification temperature. X-ray and differential thermal analysis showed that metallic glasses retain their amorphous structure after processing in the planetary mill and further consolidation during hot rolling. The microstructure at different steps of composite material production was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were evaluated by uniaxial tension tests at room temperature. The volume fraction of amorphous particles in the as-rolled state was about |0 %, and their size varied between 2 and 187 pm. The hardness of the obtained composite was 25 % higher as compared to the Al—5%Zn—5%Ca matrix alloy. At the same time, yield strength of the cladded composite material was two times higher than that of the matrix and cladding alloy samples.