Formation and crystallization of CuZrHfTi bulk metallic glass under ambient and high pressures

The formation of CuZrHfTi bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and the crystallization of the typical Cu60Zr20Hf10Ti10 BMG under ambient conditions and high pressure have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and in situ synchrotron radiation XRD. The effects of high pressure on crystallization and formation of the CuZrHfTi alloy are discussed. The Kauzmann temperature, TK ,w here th ee ntropyof the undercooled liquid equals that of the crystal, is also determined to be 724 K. The TK is compared with the experimentally observed rate-dependent glass transition, Tg .T hekinetic study of the crystallization shows that the Cu-based BMG has much larger activation energies obtained using Kissinger analysis and is markedly different in crystallization kinetic behaviour compared to that of othe rB MGs with better glass forming abilities. An apparent correlation between crystallization temperature and activation energy is found in various metallic glasses. The correlation is discussed and connected with the thermal stability of metallic glasses. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)