Development of a novel Al–Cu–Ti metallic glass reinforced Al matrix composite consolidated through equal channel angular pressing (ECAP)

In this study, the equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) process was used to develop a novel Al matrix composite through consolidation of pure aluminum powder having different volume fractions of Al65Cu20Ti15 metallic glass (AMG) as reinforcing particles. The structural evolution and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The densities of the samples were measured to evaluate the performance of the consolidation process. Structural analyses showed finely distributed reinforcing particles produced through shearing deformation, imposed during ECAP. Also, amorphous structure of reinforcement remained unchanged during ECAP at all volume fractions. The relative density of Al/10 vol% AMG composites was 97.94% which is the strong evidence for capability of ECAP to produce AMG reinforced Al matrix composites. The compressive yield strength of 184 MPa was obtained in Al/10 vol% AMG composite which showed a remarkable increase in the strength compared with pure Al. Also, the compressive yield strength of the developed composites has been compared with those estimated through the rule of mixtures. •Successful use of ECAP to produce the AMG reinforced Al-matrix composites.•Severe shear deformation caused structural dilatation in the AMG particles.•ECAP process ensured uniform distribution of reinforcements.•Increasing the AMG quantities caused weak matrix/reinforcement bonding.