Effects of carbon content on the mechanical properties of amorphous steel alloys

The effects of carbon content on the mechanical properties of amorphous steel alloys have been studied. Starting from the two compositions Fe49Cr15Mo14C13B8Er1 and (Fe0.9Co0.1)58.5Cr6Mo14C15B6Er0.5, it is found that the substitution of carbon for boron results in a decrease in the shear modulus, while the bulk modulus remains essentially constant. The alloys exhibit high fracture strengths of nearly 4 GPa and some plasticity. The decrease in shear modulus is discussed in light of the interplay of metal–metalloid and metal–metal interactions in the amorphous network.