Glass-forming ability, crystallization kinetics, mechanical property, and corrosion behavior of Zr-Al-Ni-Ag glassy alloys

The effects of partial substitution of Ni by Ag in Zr₅₆Al ₁₆(Ni_1-xAg_x) ₂₈ (at.%, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) alloys on their glass-forming ability (GFA), crystallization kinetics, mechanical property, and corrosion behavior were investigated. The critical diameter for glass formation of Zr₅₆Al₁₆Ni₂₈ alloy is significantly enhanced by partially substituting Ag for Ni. The Zr₅₆Al₁₆(Ni _0.7Ag_0.3)₂₈ BMG exhibits the best GFA and its critical diameter for glass formation is 20 mm. Ag-bearing Zr-based BMG presents a lower Avrami exponent n than that of Ag-free Zr-Al-Ni BMG, indicating the nucleation rate is reduced by the addition of Ag. The corrosion resistance of Zr-Al-Ni BMG is improved by Ag alloying, and the Zr-Al-Ni-Ag BMG exhibits higher corrosion resistance than that of other known Zr-based BMGs with high GFA. Moreover, the BMGs possess high compressive yield strength of 1830-2000 MPa, large plastic strain of 2.7-3.1%, and high specific strength of 274-312 MPa cm³/g.