Research on high-Al Cu-Zr-Al-Y bulk metallic glass and its composites

This work highlights the preparation, microstructure, wear resistance and mechanical property of Cu–Zr–Al–Y bulk metallic glass (BMG) and its composites (BMGC) containing high contents of Al (7, 10, 13, 16 at.%). The results show that the best glass forming ability and thermal stability are achieved by 10 at.% addition of Al. For BMGs, due to the generation of phase separation, the best ductility is obtained in 7Al alloy with the plastic strain of 4.7%. The compressive strengths of high Al contents alloys (10, 13 and 16 at.%) were significantly improved compared with that of 7Al alloy. Simultaneously, wear resistance and hardness are also slightly improved. For 7Al BMGCs, precipitation of 13 vol% B2 phase has better wear resistance compared with the BMG, When B2 phase increases to 35 vol%, the martensitic transformation produces work hardening, which improves mechanical properties (σ_f = 1819 MPa, ɛ_p = 4.3%). The present work provides important insights for creating a novel functional structure material with low cost, high wear resistance, light weight and high strength.