Effects of casting temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the TiZr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite

The effects of casting temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an in-situ bulk metallic glass matrix composite (BMGMC) with a nominal composition of Ti45.7Zr33Ni3Cu5.8Be12.5 (at.%) are investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the uniaxial compression tests and a finite-volume-method (FVM) analysis. With different casting temperatures, the cooling rate and oxygen content are found to be responsible for the partial crystallization of the amorphous matrix and the variation of the morphology of the crystalline dendrites. Furthermore, the partial crystallization in the amorphous matrix of the BMGMC together with the variation of the morphology of dendrites are the possible reasons for the different tendency observed in strength and plastic deformation of the composite.