Formation and mechanical properties of bulk glassy (Cu _0.55Zr_0.40Al_0.05)₉₉RE₁ (RE = Y, Pr, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) alloys

Glass-forming ability and mechanical properties of bulk glassy (Cu _0.55Zr_0.40Al_0.05)₉₉RE₁ (RE = Y, Pr, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) alloys were systematically studied. It is found that the minor addition of rare earth elements greatly improves the glass-forming ability of the studied Cu-based alloys. Critical diameter for glass formation is 3 mm for Cu₅₅Zr₄₀Al₅ alloy and increases to 4 or 5 mm with the addition of 1 at% RE. These RE doped Cu-based glassy alloys exhibit relatively wide supercooled liquid region of 50-70 K, as well as high fracture strength of about 1900-2100 MPa.