Analysis of solidification processes in amorphous Zr-Cu-Al alloys

Abstract

The relationship between metallic glass properties and the cooling behavior of Zr65Cu27.5Al7.5, Zr58Cu 33Al9 and Zr50Cu39.3Al 10.7 alloys was investigated using an electromagnetic levitation heater combined with a spin coater style quenching system. The quenching process was monitored by the high-speed camera and the thermospot sensors. About forty millimeters amorphous disks were obtained. The maximum temperatures and the maximum cooling rates at the center of the disk were 500°C and 30% higher than the values at the 15mm outer from the center position. Cooling process affected the glass-forming abilities. The temperature differences between the glass transition and crystallization onset temperatures (ΔTx) of the center position were 10 to 20% higher than those in the outer. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.