Abrasive and corrosive behaviors of Cu-Zr-Al-Ag-Nb bulk metallic glasses

Abstract

The present work investigated effects of Nb (1-5 at.%) on CuZrAlAg bulk metallic glasses. The addition of Nb did not change the amorphous structure but affected the thermal behaviors significantly. The corrosion resistances of the BMGs with addition of 5 at% Nb in 0.5 N H2SO4 solutions was the best among the samples. Pin-on-disk measurements showed that the hardest sample, viz. the one with 3 at% Nb exhibited the best wear resistance. Mechanical properties were also investigated using a nanoindentation technique. It was found that the addition of Nb may improved corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the Cu-based BMG, but not in a simple and systematic manner. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.