Effect of isothermal annealing on mechanical performance and corrosion resistance of Ni-free Zr59Ti6Cu17.5Fe10Al7.5 bulk metallic glass

Abstract Ni-free Zr-Ti-Cu-Fe-Al bulk metallic glass (BMG) is regarded as a prospective candidate for practical applications. However, a high Ti content in the BMG causes a sharp deterioration of mechanical performance. Herein, the effects of isothermal annealing on the structure, mechanical performance, and corrosion resistance of the Zr59Ti6Cu17.5Fe10Al7.5 BMG are investigated. The alloy after a short-time annealing at 573 K shows admirable compressive strength and plasticity of 1910 MPa and 12.1%, respectively, which are much higher than 1733 MPa and 4.3% of the pristine BMG. This enhancement was ascribed to precipitation of ultrafine Al3Zr2 nanograins from the BMG matrix. However, the prolonged annealing induces propagation of nanocrystals and decreases free volume in the alloys, leading to the deterioration of mechanical performance. The electrochemical study demonstrates that the BMG maintains good corrosion resistance after the annealing. This work offers an avenue for designing high-performance Ni-free BMG-based alloys.