Mechanical properties of metallic glass matrix composites: Effects of reinforcement character and connectivity

We present a systematic study of the room-temperature mechanical behavior of in situ Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites over the full range of reinforcement volume fractions (f = 0-100%). In line with prior work, our data show a transition where the deformation behavior is governed by the properties of the glassy matrix at low f and by those of the reinforcement phase at high f. However, unlike the situation in ductile-phase reinforced glasses, where percolation of the second phase is apparently beneficial, we show that a high volume fraction of brittle reinforcement is undesirable.