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 Dc 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.