Enhanced the glass forming ability and plasticity of Ti–Cu–Be bulk metallic glasses by addition of Zr

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of Zr addition on the microstructure evolution, GFA and mechanical properties of the Ti55-xZrxCu22.5Be22.5 (x ​= ​0–30) alloys were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the Zr addition changes the phase competition and enhances the stabilization of the melting liquid, thereby improves the GFA of the present alloys. The monolithic BMGs of Ti55-xZrxCu22.5Be22.5 (x ​= ​20–30) with a diameter of at least 10 ​mm can be fabricated by the water-cooled copper mold casting. These BMGs also exhibit excellent mechanical properties with 1700 ​MPa fractured strength and >8% plastic strain. The developed new Ti–Zr–Cu–Be BMGs not only have good GFA and mechanical properties, but also are insensitive to composition and have a wide composition window. This is very beneficial for industrial production and engineering application. The present results also provide a new perspective for improving the GFA and plasticity.

Keywords

• Bulk metallic glass
• Glass forming ability
• Alloying addition
• Plasticity