Processing of a bulk metallic glass forming alloy based on industrial grade Zr

Bulk metallic glasses feature extraordinary properties especially being flexible as polymers and stronger than many metals at a time. Since they are also suitable for polymer-like net-shape processing, they can represent a superior alternative for investment casting in terms of material properties and processing efforts. We propose a bulk metallic glass forming alloy based on industrial grade Zr free of Be and Ni with the composition Zr59.3Cu28.8Al10.4Nb1.5 (at%), an alloying and feedstock production method and a horizontal vacuum cold-chamber die casting process for an economical production of bulk amorphous castings. The developments are presented along with analyses of thermophysical data of the alloy which will be compared with those of the alloy Zr58.5Cu15.6Ni12.8Al10.3Nb2.8 (Vitreloy 106a). (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.