Optimized interface and mechanical properties of W fiber/Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites by minor Nb addition

W fiber/Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites were prepared by melt infiltration casting and the interface reaction in composites was studied in detail. It was found that minor Nb addition to the matrix can suppress the interface peritectic reaction and optimize the interface structure in W fiber/Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites. Taking the interface characteristics of composites and glass forming ability of the matrix into account, an optimized alloy Zr47Ti13Cu11Ni10Be16Nb3 was selected as a new metallic glass matrix. The interface in the W fiber/Zr47Ti13Cu11Ni10Be16Nb3 bulk metallic glass composite has excellent interface bonding, and the compressive strength of 70% W fiber/Zr47Ti13Cu11Ni10Be16Nb3 metallic glass composite is 2.6 GPa, 58% higher than the unreinfored matrix. Multiple shear band formation in the matrix, which results from the interaction between W fiber and the matrix, can answer for the high ultimate fraction strength and excellent plastic deformation of the composite.