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 Cu_46+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+xZr_46−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%.