The effect of heat treatment on microstructure and tensile properties of Cu-based composites reinforced with Zr57Cu20Al10Ni8Ti5 metallic glass

Zr57Cu20Al10Ni8Ti5 metallic glassy powders were prepared by gas-atomization with mean particle size (40µm). Composite with the weight fraction of 5% were manufactured using cold spraying (gas dynamic cold spray). NOL ring test, microhardness and nanoindentation were employed to characterize the corresponding deposits. The additions of amorphous particles and post heat treatment have an influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the deposits depending on the interaction between the matrix and the reinforcing particles. Result shows that a proper connection between the amorphous particles and matrix was obtained in the cold sprayed deposits. The composite exhibits high fracture strengths (over 360MPa) and ductility may be varied between 25% and 7% at room temperature depending on the annealing treatment.