Mg-Cu-(Y,Nd) pseudo-ternary bulk metallic glasses: The effects of Nd on glass-forming ability and plasticity

We report the improvement of glass-forming ability by using Nd to substitute Y in the Mg-Cu-Y bulk metallic glass (BMG). A search in the Mg-Cu-(Y,Nd) pseudo-ternary system located the best glass former at the Mg57Cu31Y6.6Nd5.4 composition, where the critical size for BMG formation (diameter D-c for copper mold casting) reached at least 14 mm. In comparison with the ternary Mg-Cu-Y glass, the Nd-containing BMG, without a significant change in Poisson's ratio, exhibits higher strength and improved compressive plasticity. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.