Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Nb-alloyed Cu–Zr–Al–Ni large-sized metallic glass composites

Abstract

The effects of Nb on the microstructures and mechanical properties of large-sized (Cu_0.47Zr_0.47Al_0.06)_99 − xNi₁Nb_x (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2 at.-%) bulk metallic glass composites were investigated. It is verified that the liquidus temperature (T_l) of the Nb-added alloys decreases to cause the increase of glass-forming ability (GFA). The addition of Nb adjusts the distribution and the volume fraction of B2-CuZr phase in the Cu–Zr–Al–Ni large-sized composites by changing the GFA of the alloys. The mechanical properties of the composites strongly depend on the volume fraction and distribution of B2-CuZr phase in the glassy matrix. The alloy with 0.5 at.-% Nb addition exhibits the high mechanical properties, which should be attributed to the uniform distribution and the proper volume fraction of B2-CuZr phase in the glassy matrix.

KEYWORDS:

• Bulk metallic glass
• composites
• precipitation
• microstructures
• compressive properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work is financially supported by the Key Foundation of Science and Technology of the Education Ministry of China (212091), Key Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province of China (20133ACB21003) and Scientific Research Foundation of the Education Department of Jiangxi Province of China (GJJ150206).