Influence of heat treatment on the properties of AlSi10Mg-based metal matrix composites reinforced with metallic glass flakes processed by gas pressure infiltration

Abstract

The reinforcement of a soft matrix material with hard particles is an established strategy to develop materials with tailored properties. In this regard, using metallic glasses with high crystallization temperatures, e.g. in the system NiNbX (X = Sn, Ta), for composites produced by liquid metal infiltration is a novel approach. The current work deals with the characterization of such metallic glass particle-reinforced AlSi10Mg-based metal matrix composites manufactured by gas pressure infiltration. Processing–structure–property relations were investigated with a special focus on the influence of an additional heat treatment on the metal matrix composite’s properties. Metallographic methods were used to investigate infiltration quality, particle distribution within the composite and the composite’s microstructure. Moreover, X-ray diffraction measurements, elastic analysis using ultrasonic spectroscopy and compression tests were performed to analyze its properties. The X-ray diffraction results indicate that there is no crystallization of the glass during processing. Metallographic investigations show that the flakes are arranged in a layered structure within the composite. The embedding of metallic glass flakes leads to an increase in Young’s modulus and compressive strength in comparison to the unreinforced material. The composite’s strength can be further increased by a heat treatment.