Bulk Metallic Glasses and Their Composites: A Brief History of Diverging Fields

Abstract

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and their derivative metal matrix composites (BMGMCs) are emerging high-performance engineering materials that are on the precipice of widespread commercialization. This review article discusses the origin of these materials and how their applications and research focus have divided into two distinct fields, one primarily focused on the plastic-like processability of BMGs and the other on the enhanced fracture mechanics of BMGMCs. Although the materials are of similar composition and origin, it is argued that their implementation will be widely varying due to their different processing requirements and intended uses. BMGs will likely find use as plastic-replacement components in cosmetic applications (e.g., watches, cell phones, biomedical implants) while BMGMCs will be used in structural applications (e.g., golf clubs, hardware for defense, energy absorbing structures).

A Review of Additive Mixed-Electric Discharge Machining: Current Status and Future Perspectives for Surface Modification of Biomedical Implants

“…In recent years, higher glass formers elements such as Pd, Ni, Be, and Al were discovered. This led to the development and production of MGs into larger size (up to 10 mm diameter and 100 mm long) called Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMGs) [31]. It is believed that BMGs maintained the corrosion and wear behavior of the MGs as revealed by Ge et al [32].…”

Solid state magnetic resonance investigation of the thermally-induced structural evolution of silicon oxide-doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon

“…In light of many unique mechanical, optical, magnetic, and electronic properties, they are attractive materials for current and emergent technologies, including photovoltaics, thin-film transistors, p-n diodes, light valves, spacecraft components, springs, biomedical implants, and energy-absorbing structures [1][2][3][4].…”

Production of Bulk Metallic Glasses by Severe Plastic Deformation

“…The second component next to a metallic glass can be a crystalline metal, but also another metallic glass. Mixing crystalline and amorphous metals together changes the deformation behavior and so, the formation of one fatal shear band can be prevented and the mechanical properties could be improved [21,31,32]. Metallic glass/metallic glass composites will also show different properties, because the two metallic glasses differ in the chemical composition and the near range ordering will vary.…”