Structure and mechanical properties of three-layer composites obtained by magnetic pulse welding of titanium and Zr-based metallic glass

Metallic glass-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) are in the focus of attention of many research groups due to the outstanding properties provided by a combination of ductile crystalline matrix and high-strength glassy phase. To date, many fabrication techniques have been used to form such composites. Most of them are based on pressure-assisted sintering of glassy and crystalline components. However, the selection of the heating temperature and holding time is challenging due to the low thermal stability of the metallic glasses (MGs). In this study, a solid-state magnetic pulse welding (MPW) technique was used for manufacturing laminated Ti-based composites with Zr-based MG reinforcement. The structure of the interfaces between Ti and MG layers was studied using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD). The experimental study was supplemented with smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) numerical simulations. The Ti-MG-Ti composite obtained by MPW possessed high quality of joint and had no macroscopic defects such as cracks or lack of fusion. The formation of a firm joint was provided by the plastic flow of titanium. Deformation processes in the titanium plates developed mainly in the interfacial zones, while the MG ribbons subjected to deformation by shear mechanism through the entire thickness. Due to the short-term thermal impact and high cooling rates, MPW retained a disordered structure of MG, despite local melting occurring at the interfaces and in shear bands. Tensile tests of composites containing 5 vol. % and 13 vol. % of MG phase showed that their strength follows the rule of mixtures.