Research on Zr₅₀Al₁₅Ni₁₀Cu₂₅ bulk amorphous alloys prepared by mechanical alloying and low pressure sintering

Abstract

Amorphous Zr₅₀Al₁₅Ni₁₀Cu₂₅ alloy powders were fabricated by mechanical alloying technique with commercially pure element powders. The effects of small amount of C, Si₃N₄ and SiC powders addition on the thermal stability and crystallisation behaviour of the Zr₅₀Al₁₅Ni₁₀Cu₂₅ amorphous alloy were investigated. The blended powders were compacted into bars by oil hydraulic press, and were sintered in argon atmosphere at different temperatures and pressures. The samples before and after sintering were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and electron tensile testing machine. The results demonstrated that a proper addition of Si₃N₄ powders to the amorphous matrix can improve the thermal stability of the matrix. Suitable additives can help to improve the density and mechanical properties of the matrix in sintering process.

Keywords:

• Mechanical alloying
• Amorphous alloys
• Activation energy
• Low pressure sintering

The research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 50672134).