Formation and mechanical properties of new Cu-rich Cu-Zr-Al-Ag glassy alloys with high glass-forming ability

Abstract

We have discovered new Cu-rich Cu-Zr-Al-Ag bulk glassy alloys with high glass-forming ability and excellent mechanical properties. As the composition shifted to Cu-rich range in the Cu46+xZr 46-xAg4Al4 alloy series, the supercooled liquid region, reduced glass transition temperature and γ value increased, leading to the improvement of the GFA. The full glassy samples with a diameter of 10 mm could be fabricated by copper mold casting for the Cu 46+xZr46-xAg4Al4 (x = 1-3) alloys. In addition to high GFA, the BGAs exhibit good mechanical properties under a compressive deformation mode, i.e., large Young's modulus of 104-109 GPa, high fracture strength of 1905-1932 MPa and distinct plastic strain of 0.2-0.4%. © 2009 The Japan Institute of Metals.