Locating new Mg-based bulk metallic glasses free of rare earth elements

A range of new magnesium-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) from the Mg–Ag–Ca, Mg-Cu-Ca ternary and Mg–Ag–Cu–Ca quaternary alloy systems have been discovered using the effective radius ratio method. These alloys are located over a broad composition range from (at.%): Mg – 38–76, Ag – 0–38, Cu – 0–36 and Ca – 7–27, some of which are located far from ternary eutectic reactions. Here, we report the alloy design method, critical casting size and thermophysical properties of these new BMGs.

► New Mg-based alloys in the Mg–Ag–Ca–Cu system with high glass forming ability.
► Critical amorphous castings sizes of up to 5 mm using copper mould casting.
► Glassy alloys were discovered/predicted using a new topological approach.
► Predicted composition range corresponds with regions of high glass forming ability.