Microstructure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of Zr–Cu–Al–Sn bulk metallic glass

Abstract Novel (Zr0.46Cu0.46Al0.08)100 − xSnx bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were prepared by copper mold casting. The microstructure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the BMGs were investigated. The results reveal that the thermal stability of the BMGs trends to decrease with the Sn content. The plasticity and the fracture strength are however found to be enhanced with the Sn addition. Notably with an appropriate amount of Sn addition, nano-scale phase separation with the formation of Cu–Al-rich and Zr–Sn-rich glassy phases takes place during solidification, which improves the mechanical properties of the alloys effectively.