Bulk amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys with high functional properties

Recent progress of bulk amorphous, nanocrystalline and nanoquasicrystalline alloys in rod, sheet and ring forms produced by various casting processes has been reviewed by focusing on their formation, structure, mechanical strength, chemical properties, magnetic properties and applications. These bulk nonequilibrium alloys exhibit unique characteristics which cannot be obtained far conventional amorphous, crystalline and quasicrystalline alloys and have been commercialized in some application fields of electrodes and golf clubs, etc. The combination of new compositions, direct production to final material forms, novel structures and unique characteristics is promising for the future development of these nonequilibrium bulk alloys as basic science and engineering materials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.