Metallic Amorphous Alloy Reinforcements in Light Metal Matrices

This book presents cutting-edge research on the design and development of novel, advanced high-strength, light-weight materials via the incorporation of novel reinforcements— metallic amorphous alloys/bulk metallic glasses (BMG)—in light metal matrix composites (LMMCs) based on Al and Mg. The book begins with an introduction to conventional ceramic reinforced light metal matrix composites, along with the major drawbacks which limit their application. Metallic amorphous alloys/Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMG) are new class of metallic materials that are distinctly differently from conventional metals/alloys in terms of their structure and thermal behavior, and exhibit extremely high strength (1 to 2 GPa) and large elastic strain limit (1 to 2%). Given these unique properties, upon their incorporation into Al/Mg-matrices, they will provide superior interfacial properties—i.e. high degree of compatibility with the matrix due to their metallic nature—when compared to conventional ceramic reinforcements, and thereby significantly enhance the mechanical performance of LMMCs. Amorphous/BMG reinforced LMMCs is an emerging research field and the existing literature is meager. This book discusses the various processing methods that would be suitable for these novel materials. A comparison of mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of amorphous/BMG reinforced composites with those of conventional ceramic composites will be presented. Future research directions and wider research potential of the novel materials will be discussed, and prospective applications in the automotive, aerospace, sports and consumer electronics industries highlighted. For ease of understanding and comparison, appropriate schematics, tables, and figures will be provided.