Carbon-addition-induced bulk ZrTiCuNiBe amorphous matrix composite containing ZrC particles

Bulk Zr41Ti14Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 amorphous matrix composites (AMCs) were synth esized by solid-liquid phase reaction between added carbon and constituents of the molten Zr-Ti-Cu-Ni-Be glass-forming alloy. The structure, thermal a nd mechanical properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (X RD), differential scanning calorimetrically and microhardness measurements. It was found that the reaction-induced crystalline ZrC particles are unifo rmly distributed in the amorphous matrix. The thermal properties and glass- forming ability (GFA) of the amorphous matrix are not significantly changed up to 4% carbon addition, while the strength of the composite is significa ntly improved. The strengthening mechanism in the bulk AMC is discussed. (C ) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.