Effects of casting temperature on mechanical properties of Zr-based metallic glasses

The effects of casting temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast 3 mm-diameter Zr64.9Al7.9Ni10.7Cu16.5 and Zr47Cu37.5Ag7.5Al8 alloys were investigated. It was found that crystalline phases were precipitated in amorphous matrix as casting temperature increased. The compressive strength and Hv of as-cast Zr64.9Al7.9Ni10.7Cu16.5 and Zr47Cu37.5Ag7.5Al8 alloys increased slightly when casting temperature increased. However, ultrahigh casting temperature resulted in formation of hard crystalline phase in metallic glass matrix, which caused increase of hardness and density, but decrease of compressive strength.