Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Based Cu-Zr-Ti Bulk Glassy Alloys Containing ZrC Particles

Abstract

Bulk glassy Cu₆₀Zr₃₀Ti₁₀ composites containing ZrC particles up to 9 vol% were formed in a rod with a diameter up to 2 mm by copper mold casting. The ZrC particle size was about 4 \\micron. No appreciable second crystalline phases are observed in the bulk glassy composites. The glass transition temperature (T_g), crystallization temperature (T_x) supercooled liquid region (ΔT_x=T_x−T_g) and liquidus temperature (T_l) of the glassy matrix remain almost unchanged in the volume fraction (V_f) range of ZrC particles up to 9%. The Young’s modulus (E), compressive yield strength (σ_c,y) and compressive fracture strength (σ_c,f) for the composite alloys increase gradually from 114 to 123 GPa, 2020 to 2190 MPa and 2150 to 2220 MPa, respectively, with increasing V_f from 0 to 9%. The plastic elongation (ε_p) decreases from 1.3% at 0 vol% to 0.4% at 9 vol%. The present study shows a possibility of synthesizing the high strength composite Cu-based bulk glassy alloys containing ZrC particles with good ductility by a process of arc melting and copper mold casting.