Precipitation of the ZrCu B2 phase in Zr₅₀Cu_50–xAl_x (x = 0, 4, 6) metallic glasses by rapidly heating and cooling

Precipitation of ZrCu with the B2 structure in Zr₅₀Cu_50–xAl_x (x = 0, 4, 6) metallic glasses by rapidly heating and cooling was investigated. By rapidly heating and cooling, the ZrCu B2 phase precipitates the most in Zr₅₀Cu₄₆Al₄ metallic glass plates prepared by tilt-casting without using a silica nozzle. The amount of the ZrCu B2 phase precipitated in Zr₅₀Cu₄₆Al₄ metallic glass ribbons prepared by using a silica nozzle decreases by Si diffused from the silica nozzle during the preparation. This work is discussed from the viewpoint of crystallization behavior and why larger Zr-based bulk metallic glasses can be formed by suction, tilt, and cap casting without using a silica nozzle.