Manufacturing and characterization of an interpenetrating metal matrix composite reinforced with a 3D-printed metallic glass lattice structure (Ni60Nb20Ta20)

Abstract

Metallic glasses (MG) exhibit remarkable properties, like high strength, hardness, and elastic strain limit due their amorphous structure. But they also exhibit low ductility and brittle behavior, making them less suitable for monolithic components. Therefore, MG offer high potential for use as a reinforcing phase in a ductile matrix. Especially interpenetrating metal matrix composites (MMCs) are suitable, since good interfacial adhesion can be achieved due to the metallic character of the MG and mechanical properties can be further enhanced by the interpenetrating structure. Temperature during manufacturing process must be below crystallization temperature of the MG. Until now, interpenetrating MMCs have been manufactured by infiltrating the metal matrix foam with MG, requiring a high melting temperature of the matrix and thus excludes lightweight metals. In this work it was possible to infiltrate an open porous lattice structure of MG (Ni60Nb20Ta20) due to its high crystallization temperature with AlSi12 by gas pressure infiltration resulting in a novel MMC. X-ray diffraction measurements confirm that no crystallization occurred during infiltration. Micrographs show a good infiltration quality and interfacial bonding between both phases. An increase in Young's modulus of 28 % and compressive strength in the MMC can be achieved compared to the AlSi12-matrix.