Zero thermal expansion high-strength metallic glass-based composites

Abstract

Materials with zero thermal expansion (ZTE) properties demonstrate remarkable dimensional stability, making them crucial in aerospace, electronics, and various industrial sectors. However, these materials face challenges such as weak mechanical properties and narrow ZTE temperature range. In this study, a novel ZTE metallic glass-based composite (Cu2P2O7/La65Al14Cu9.17Ag1.83Ni5Co5) with negative thermal expansion (NTE) reinforcement was prepared using gas pressure infiltration and water quenching. SEM and 3D CT results revealed the dense structure and the non-reactive interface structure. The NTE behaviors resulting from the coupling of CuO5 and PO4 polyhedra within the NTE Cu2P2O7 are demonstrated to counterbalance the positive thermal expansion in metallic glass. Consequently, the resulting composites exhibit a wide range of zero thermal expansion and high strength properties, presenting a novel approach for creating high-performance ZTE metallic glass-based composites.