Effect of vanadium substitution for zirconium on the glass forming ability and mechanical properties of a Zr65Cu17.5Ni10Al7.5 bulk metallic glass

► The addition of V is effective for a decrease in GFA of Zr-based BMGs. ► Mechanical properties of Zr-based BMGs are enhanced largely due to V addition. ► Correlations among the elastic moduli, fracture strength, Vicker's hardness and glass transition for Zr-based BMGs. ► Critical resolved shear stress (τ) of the Zr65−xCu17.5Ni10Al7.5Vx alloys decreases with the increase of V content.