Key Factors Influencing the Mechanical Properties of Binodal Decomposed Metallic Glass Composites

Structural heterogeneity plays a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical properties of metallic glasses (MGs) by impeding the propagation of shear bands (SBs). Metallic glass matrix composites (MGCs) consisting of reinforcements are of great interest as they enhance the mechanical performance of brittle MGs. However, managing the dispersity of hetero-phases within the glassy matrix presents technical challenges due to surface tension and thermal property incompatibility. Binodal phase separation is an effective approach for fabricating MGCs with uniformly dispersed glassy droplets or particles. The species of matrix and characteristics of particle reinforcements significantly influence mechanical properties. This study theoretically examines how the fraction, size, and variety of particle reinforcements influence performance using finite element models based on free volume theory. The synergistic mechanisms for performance tuning involve stress fields generated by particle reinforcements that modify the nucleation and propagation of SBs in the matrix. Additionally, the size effect of particles depends on their interaction with SBs. This comprehensive understanding could substantially enhance the design and optimization for MGCs.