Ni-free Zr–Fe–Al–Cu bulk metallic glasses with high glass-forming ability

We report a series of Ni-free quaternary Zr-based bulk metallic glasses developed by substitution of Fe for Cu in ternary Zr60Cu30Al10 alloy. Addition of Fe lowers the liquidus temperature of the ternary Zr60Cu30Al10 alloy. The alloy compositions of Zr60Cu25Fe5Al10 and Zr62.5Cu22.5Fe5Al10 were found to be very near a quaternary eutectic point with low liquidus temperature. The as-cast glassy alloy rods with a diameter of 20 mm were easily synthesized at Zr60Cu25Fe5Al10 and Zr62.5Cu22.5Fe5Al10 alloy compositions by copper mold casting.