Structure, Properties, and Crystallization of Mg-Cu-Y-Zn Bulk Metallic Glasses

The Mg 60 Cu 30 Y 10 and Mg 65 Cu 20 Y 10 Zn 5 bulk metallic glasses in the form of a rod 2 mm in diameter were successfully prepared by the conventional Cu-mold casting method. The addition of Zn caused the decrease in the crystallization and melting temperatures in comparison with the Mg 60 Cu 30 Y 10 alloy. The crystallization and melting temperatures are crucial factors that influence the casting process. An increase in annealing temperature leads to structural changes by the formation of the crystalline phases and lowers the compressive strength. These results obtained for the Mg-based bulk metallic glasses (Mg-BMGs) are important for some practical reasons, in particular, for developing the fabrication process. It has been shown that minor addition of an alloying element can change glass-forming ability and strength of the Mg-BMGs.