Glass-Forming Ability, Corrosion Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Zr_60−xAl₁₅Ni₂₅TM_x (TM = Nb and Ta) Bulk Metallic Glasses

Abstract

The thermal stability, glass-forming ability (GFA), corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of Zr_60−xAl₁₅Ni₂₅TM_x (TM = Nb and Ta, x = 0–6) bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were investigated. The added Nb and Ta greatly increase the glass transition temperature of the base BMG whereas reduce the supercooled liquid region. Minor addition of Nb enhances the GFA of the base alloy, and Zr₅₆Al₁₅Ni₂₅Nb₄ BMG exhibits the largest critical diameter of 20 mm. Additions of Nb and Ta efficiently improve the corrosion resistance of the BMGs in chloride-ion-containing solutions due to the formation of highly protective surface film. In addition, the compressive yield strength of the BMGs increases gradually with increasing Nb and Ta contents.