Ternary La-Al-C bulk metallic glasses

Glass formation, thermal stability, elastic moduli and mechanical properties of La-Al-C bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were investigated. The BMGs of La_57.5Al_32.5C₁₀, La₆₀Al ₃₀C₁₀, and La_62.5Al_27.5C ₁₀ with the maximal diameters up to 3 mm can be synthesized. Compared with other La-based glassy systems, like La-Al-(Co, Ni, Cu), the La-Al-C BMGs with the similar La concentration exhibit higher glass transition temperatures (507-577 K) and elastic constants. The La-Al-C BMGs with the unusual T _g and elastic moduli fill a gap in thermal and elastic properties between light rare-earth-based BMGs and heavy rare-earth-based ones. The compressive yield strength of La_57.5Al_32.5C₁₀ BMG reaches to ∼1.1 GPa, higher than that of other reported La-based BMGs. The ternary BMGs with simple element constituent, high glass-forming ability and superior mechanical properties are significant for fundamental research as model materials.