Unusual Glass-Forming Ability of New Zr-Cu-Based Bulk Glassy Alloys Containing an Immiscible Element Pair

Abstract

We herein report the unusual glass-forming ability (GFA) of a new series of quinary Zr₄₈Cu_36−xNi_xAg₈Al₈ (0<x≤10 in at%) alloys, in which Ni-Ag element pair is an immiscible system with a large positive heat of mixing. Addition of Ni lowers the liquidus temperature of the quaternary Zr₄₈Cu₃₆Ag₈Al₈ alloy. By copper mold casting, an as-cast glassy rod with a diameter of 30 mm can be easily obtained for the representative alloy Zr₄₈Cu₃₂Ni₄Ag₈Al₈. The possible reasons for the excellent GFA of the new quinary alloys with an immiscible element pair are discussed based on the atomic size distribution, chemical compatibility among the components and atomic structure of glassy alloys.