Bulk metallic glass formation in Ni–Zr–Nb–Al alloy systems

Abstract

Ni-based metallic glasses containing no metalloids are developed in Ni–Zr–Nb–Al alloy system. A partial replacement of Zr with Nb in Ni–Zr–Al alloys significantly enhances the glass-forming ability (GFA) and enlarges the undercooled liquid region during continuous heating of glassy ribbons. A quaternary Ni–Zr–Nb–Al metallic glasses exhibit large undercooled liquid region (>50 K), indicating high glass-forming ability of the alloy. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures of a quaternary Ni 61Zr 28Nb 7Al 4 alloy are 848 and 898 K, respectively, exhibiting a wide undercooled liquid region of 50 K. A complete Ni 61Zr 28Nb 7Al 4 glassy rod (φ1 mm) can be prepared by copper mold injection casting.