Developing aluminum-based bulk metallic glasses

Abstract

This paper details a systematic investigation of the formation of Al-based bulk metallic glasses, expanding on an earlier brief report [Scripta Mater. 61 (2009) p.423]. We discuss an approach for designing and predicting the best glass-forming composition in the Al–TM–RE systems, based on the atomic cluster packing model for the internal structure of the glass. The effects of additional elements in quaternary and quinary systems on the glass-forming ability and thermal stability of the glasses are also discussed. Three new compositions, Al₈₆Ni₆Y_4.5Co₂La_1.5, Al₈₆Ni₇Y₅Co₁La₁ and Al₈₆Ni₇Y_4.5Co₁La_1.5, are capable of forming fully glassy rods of 1 mm in diameter; their glass transition and other thermal properties are systematically characterized.

Keywords:

• bulk metallic glasses
• cluster packing model
• aluminum alloys
• electronegativity

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 50471076, 50323009) and the National Key Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2007CB613906). The authors are also part of the Multi-Component Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Systems (MANS) Research team, supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.