Effect of rapid cooling after continuous heating on microstructure and mechanical properties of Zr50Cu34Al8Ag8 amorphous alloy

The effects of rapid cooling after continuous heating on mechanical properties and microstructure of Zr50Cu34Al8Ag8 amorphous alloy are investigated. The microstructure of the alloy is analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Experimental results show that the rapid cooling of the amorphous alloy after heating to 450 degrees C possesses the best comprehensive mechanical properties, which can be attributed to the formation of 4.65% ordered crystal structures in the amorphous matrix. When the heating temperature rises to 480 degrees C, a large number of hexagonal Al2Zr and Ag2Al phases precipitate in the amorphous matrix, thereby deteriorating the alloy properties.

Automated summary

Experimental investigation showed that rapid cooling of Zr50Cu34Al8Ag8 amorphous alloy after continuous heating to 450 degrees Celsius resulted in the best mechanical properties due to the formation of 4.65% ordered crystal structures in the amorphous matrix. However, when the heating temperature increased to 480 degrees Celsius, a large quantity of hexagonal Al2Zr and Ag2Al phases precipitated in the amorphous matrix, leading to deterioration of the alloy properties.