Improved wear resistance through surface modification of Zr 50Cu30Ni10Al10 bulk glassy alloys

Abstract

We examined the surface modifications of Zr50Cu 30Ni10Al10 bulk glassy alloys, including oxidization, nitriding, and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating to improve wear resistance. Wear abrasion in bulk glassy alloys begins with the formation of shear bands, as in cold-rolled structures. Ultimately, lamellar tearing occurs in the lamellar structure of the shear band in the wear region. Surface modification effectively reduces the wear abrasion corresponding to the easy formation of the shear band. Bulk glassy alloy coated with DLC has outstanding wear resistance due to its low surface-friction coefficient. © 2006 The Japan Institute of Metals.