On the formation, mechanical properties and crystallization behaviors of a Zr56Co24Al20 bulk metallic glass

Abstract An amorphous Zr 56 Co 24 Al 20 alloy, prepared by water-cooled copper mold suction casting technique, showed high yield strength of approximately 2177 MPa and a pronounced plastic strain. Comparative research indicated that the compression strength and specific strength improved obviously with the increasing Al/Co ratio in Zr 56 Co 44− x Al x ( x  = 12, 16 and 20) bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). Moreover, the width of the super-cooled liquid region increased, indicating a better thermal stability of the super-cooled liquid. However, more Al content enhanced the crystallization process and hence reduced the activation energy. This work might have some implications for designing high specific strength BMGs with high glass forming ability.