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, namely, 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 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 is
presented. Future research directions and wider research potential of
the novel materials are discussed, and prospective applications are
highlighted. For ease of understanding and comparison, appropriate
schematics, tables, and figures are provided.
