Solidification behavior and continuous preparation process of high-quality Zr-based metallic glass plates based on twin-roll strip casting

Abstract

Metallic glasses exhibit excellent comprehensive properties in a variety of disciplines including mechanics, magnetism, electricity, and chemistry, making them highly promising for various applications. However, the current lack of continuous and efficient preparation technology for metallic glasses not only hinders the research and application of various metallic glass products but also contributes to the high cost associated with their production. In this study, we incorporate the twin-roll strip casting technology into the continuous fabrication process of metallic glass plates. By conducting numerical simulations and practical experiments, we elucidated the solidification process of metallic glasses in the twin-roll strip casting process. A process control strategy was developed focusing on "small molten pool height and low exit temperature", which enabled successful preparation of high-quality Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 metallic glass plates ranging from 0.13 to 0.56 mm in thickness. A reduced pool height can enhance the cooling rate of metallic glasses and suppress the formation of vortices and crystals within the molten pool. By employing a lower exit temperature, it is possible to achieve a metallic glass plate characterized by high-energy microstructure, exceptional mechanical properties, as well as superior shape and surface quality. This research provides valuable guidance for continuous production of superior-grade metallic glass plates using twin-roll strip casting technique.