MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TANTALUM-CONTINUOUS-FIBER-REINFORCED AMORPHOUS MATRIX COMPOSITES FABRICATED BY LIQUID PRESSING PROCESS

Abstract

Zr-based amorphous alloy matrix composites reinforced with tantalum continuous fibers were fabricated by liquid pressing process, and their microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. About 60 vol.% of tantalum fibers were homogeneously distributed inside the amorphous matrix, which contained a small amount of polygonal crystalline particles. The ductility of the tantalum-continuous-fiber-reinforced composite under tensile or compressive loading was dramatically improved over that of the monolithic amorphous alloy, while maintaining high strength. The consequential observation of the tensile deformation and fracture behavior of the composite showed the formation of multiple shear bands and multiple necking, crack deflection in the amorphous matrix, and obstruction of crack propagation by ductile fibers, thereby resulting in very high tensile elongation of 7.2%. These findings suggested that the liquid pressing process was useful for the development of amorphous matrix composites with improved ductility.