Ta-particulate reinforced Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite with tensile plasticity

Ta-particulate reinforced Zr-Ni-Cu-Al-Ta bulk metallic glass matrix composite exhibits good mechanical properties of similar to 23% plasticity in compression and 1.8% plasticity in tension without any sacrifice of strength. In situ SEM observations of tension tests combined with finite element simulation reveals that plastic deformation of Ta particles creates shear stress concentration on the interface and tunes shear stress distribution, which initiates and arrests shear bands, leading to the formation of multiple shear bands. This contributes to the enhanced plasticity of the present composite. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.