Metal frame reinforced bulk metallic glass composites

IMPACT STATEMENT A promising route for the design and fabrication of bulk metallic glass composites with tailored mechanical properties was developed by combing ultrasonic vibration-assisted thermoplastic forming and 3D printing. Inspired by the aseismic structure of skyscrapers, Ti6Al4V frames with tubular structure were designed, 3D printed and thermoplastic formed with Zr35Ti30Be26.75Cu8.25 bulk metallic glass matrix under ultrasonic vibration, forming sandwich-structured bulk metallic glass composites. The interface characterization between matrix and frame reveals a typical metallurgical bonding. By tuning the geometry of Ti6Al4V frame, the composites manifest an enhanced fracture toughness of 213 MPa m(1/2), 2.3 times higher than that of the monolithic bulk metallic glass. Our findings provide a promising route for the development of metallic composites.