Investigations of new bulk metallic glass alloys fabricated using a high-pressure die-casting method based on industrial grade Zr raw material

Abstract

In the present study, low-cost Zr52.1Ti5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Y0.4 (at%) and Zr58Nb2.76Cu15.46Ni12.74Al10.34Y0.5 (at%) BMGs (bulk metallic glass) were successively designed and fabricated using a high-pressure die-casting method which utilized industrial grade sponge Zr material and a minor Y addition. The glass forming abilities, critical sizes, and microstructures were investigated in association with the mechanical property measurements. The results indicated that the Y addition had effectively eliminated the residual O-concentration of BMGs, and had also improved the glass forming abilities. The Zr58Nb2.76Cu15.46Ni12.74Al10.34Y0.5 (at%) BMG had displayed a higher glass forming ability, thermal stability, compressive strength, and ductility when compared with the Zr52.1Ti5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Y0.4 (at%) BMG. However, both of the BMGs had shown good glass forming abilities and compressive strength. Therefore, they were both considered to have excellent potential in industrial applications. Meanwhile, the results of the present study provided important guidance for the future designs and preparations of low-cost BMGs.