Glass forming ability and crystallization of Zr–Cu–Ag–Al–Be bulk metallic glasses

The glass forming ability of Zr 46 Cu 37.64− x Ag 8.36 Al 8 Be x ( x = 0, 6 and 10 at.%) bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were significantly improved by Be addition. The critical size of amorphous rods can be over 35 mm diameter. The high GFA achieved is mainly due to the decrease of melting point and liquidus temperature, and suppression of the formation of crystalline phases during solidification from liquid state. The high stabilization with supercooled liquid regime of 115 K was found for the BMG with x = 10 at.%. Two independent exothermic events happen in x = 0 and 6 at.% BMGs, corresponding to the formation of primary crystalline phases Cu 10 Zr 7 and AgZr, then transforming to final stable crystalline phases Zr 2 Cu and AlCu 2 Zr. However, in the x = 10 at.% BMG, the precipitation of primary phases and transformation to final stable phases are within the first exothermic event and the AlCu 2 Zr phase is totally suppressed.