Improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Zr-Cu-Al-Ni-Ti bulk metallic glass by Fe substitution for Ni

Herein, the effects of Fe substitution for Ni on glass-forming ability (GFA), mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Zr56Cu24Al9Ni7-xTi4Fex (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 at.%) bulk metallic glass (BMGs) were investigated. Trace addition of Fe to 3 at.% slightly affects the GFA of alloys, but Fe over-dosage results in an intense susceptibility to crystallization and failure to form metallic glasses. Furthermore, the compressive strength and plasticity of Zr56Cu24Al9Ni4Ti4Fe3 alloy are significantly enhanced to 1709 MPa and 5.55%, respectively, compared to 1677 MPa and 1.22% for pristine alloy. Meanwhile, the corrosion resistance is greatly improved by Fe addition to 3 at.% then deteriorated with its excess addition. The Zr56Cu24Al9Ni4Ti4Fe3 alloy exhibits the widest passivization zone and the largest Rct, indicating an enhanced corrosion performance. Overall, the synergistic effect of Fe substitution on mechanical and corrosion performance opens a new horizon for design of toxic-free Zr-based BMGs for potential application.

Automated summary

The addition of Fe to Zr-Cu-Al-Ni-Ti alloys can greatly affect their mechanical and corrosion resistance performance, with moderate Fe content improving compressive strength, plasticity, and corrosion resistance, while excessive Fe content may lead to the inability to form metallic glasses.