Al-rich bulk metallic glasses with plasticity and ultrahigh specific strength

Aluminum-based amorphous metals are interesting lightweight alloys with superior mechanical and corrosion properties, but have never been achieved in bulk form. Here we report the first success of obtaining Al-rich (86 at.% Al) bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), based on an alloy composition designed from the preferable internal glass structure. The Al BMGs discovered exhibit ultrahigh specific strength, as well as obvious plasticity. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.