Fabrication of porous Zr-Cu-Al-Ni bulk metallic glass by spark plasma sintering process

We have successfully fabricated porous Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 bulk metallic glassy alloy samples using a spark plasma sintering process. No crystallization was observed in the sintered porous alloy. The porosity was controlled by the sintering temperature and loading pressure. The sintered porous alloy exhibited a larger plastic ductility and lower Young's modulus than the as-cast specimen. These unique characteristics of the porous bulk glassy alloy indicate the possibility of its future applications as a new structural and functional material. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.