Hydrogen microalloying as a viable strategy for enhancing the glass-forming ability of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses

Abstract

The development of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) with both high critical casting thickness and ductility is a great challenge. In this study we show that the glass-forming ability (GFA) of ductile Zr-rich Zr–Cu–Al BMGs can be increased by processing the alloys under hydrogen-containing atmosphere. After considering various reasons for this GFA enhancement, we attribute it to hydrogen microalloying, which generates a higher packing density. We also discuss the role of applied hydrogen pressure and present implications for future alloy design.