Mg-based bulk metallic glass composite containing in situ microsized quasicrystalline particles

A novel in situ forming Mg66Zn29Ca4Y1 composite comprising microsized icosahedral quasicrystal phase (I-phase) particles dispersed within a Mg-based metallic glass matrix was synthesized. The size and volume fraction of the I-phase particles are similar to 25-35 mu m and similar to 10%, respectively. The I-phase particles can noticeably improve both the strength and plasticity of the composite. The mechanism of the hard I-phase particles on the deformation and fracture behaviors of the composite and the synthesis strategy of the composite are discussed. (C) 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved