Processing and materials characterisation of novel NiNbSn metallic glass reinforced metal matrix composites

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Kay A. Weidenmann
• Subject Area: Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes ; Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials and their Microstructural Origins
• Term: from 2012 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 225918708

Recent studies by several researchers have shown the potential of metallic glasses (MG) as reinforcement phase in metal matrix composites (MMC). Successful incorporation of the MG reinforcement in the MMC is however limited as the processing temperature must be less than the crystallization temperature of the glass. Recently developed Ni-based MG Ni60Nb35Sn5 displays a relatively high crystallization temperature of 943 K along with excellent glass forming ability and extremely high hardness and strength. This crystallization temperature is significantly higher than the liquidus temperature of eutectic Al alloy AlSi12, hence making it possible to fabricate MMCs by melt infiltration in MG ribbons featuring different architectures. This MG displays significantly improved strength, hardness and extended elastic limit at a density comparable to steel reinforcement. To the best of our knowledge, no data exist about processing and mechanical properties of continuously reinforced MMCs of this kind, although the mechanical properties should be of technical interest. In the proposed project, MMCs will be processed with various architectures. Based on a variation of processing parameters and reinforcement structure, thorough mechanical and microstructural analyses to explore the relation between processing, microstructure and mechanical performance will be carried out. These include 2D and 3D structural analysis, elastic analysis, mechanical tests for flow behavior and damage analysis, thermal behavior, diffraction measurement of residual stress in the matrix phase and internal load transfer mechanism. Mechanical tests in situ with microstructural analysis will help clarifying the damage behaviour. This way, thorough understanding of the processing-structure-(thermo)-mechanical correlation in this composite material will be obtained.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Alexander Wanner