Wear behavior of a series of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses

Dry sliding wear behaviors of a series of bulk metallic glasses with nominal compositions of Zr48Cu45−xAl7Agx (x = 0, 2, 5, 8 at.%) are investigated by pin-on-disk method at room temperature. Compared with Ag-free Zr48Cu45Al7 glassy alloy, wear resistances of the Ag-doped bulk metallic glasses are significantly enhanced and increased with the content of Ag, and their microhardnesses also increase. The results of compression test show that the plastic strain decreases with the increase of Ag content for the quaternary Zr–Cu–Al–Ag alloys. SEM observations demonstrate that the cracks initiate and propagate perpendicular to the frictional direction during the debris formation.