Abstract:A series of rod samples with diameter of 3 mm (Zr_0.55Al_0.10Ni_0.05Cu_0.30)_100−xFe_x(x=0, 1, 2, 3, 4) were prepared by magnetic suspend melting and copper mold suction casting method. The effects of a small amount of Fe on glass forming ability(GFA) and mechanical properties of Zr₅₅Al₁₀Ni₅Cu₃₀ bulk metallic glass (BMG) were investigated. The results show that the addition of an appropriate amount (less than 3%, mole fraction) of Fe enhances GFA, as indicated by the increase in the reduced glass transition temperature T_rg(=T_g/T_l) and the parameter γ(=T_x/(T_g+T_l)) with increasing Fe content, and GFA gets deteriorated by further Fe addition (4%). The addition of Fe also effectively improves the compressive plasticity and increases the compressive fracture strength in these Zr-based BMGs. Compressive tests on BMG sample with 3 mm in diameter and 6 mm in length reveal work-hardening and a certain plastic strain in the alloy containing 2% Fe. The BMG composite containing 4% Fe also exhibits a high fracture strength along with significant plasticity.

Key words: bulk metallic glass; glass forming ability; mechanical properties; microstructure