Glass formation ability and physical properties of Fe–B–Y bulk metallic glass alloys with different Nb contents

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Nb addition on the glass formation ability, mechanical properties, and microstructural evolution of Fe–Y–B bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloys. The glass formation ability of the alloys with different Nb contents was evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical properties of the various BMGs were examined using a universal testing machine (MTS 810) under quasi-static strain rates of 10[Formula: see text]–10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text]. The high strain rate mechanical properties of the BMGs were tested using a split Hopkinson pressure bar system under strain rates of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text]. Finally, the microstructures of the fracture surfaces of the alloys tested at different strain rates were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).