Wetting behavior of CuZr-based BMGs/alumina system

Alumina ceramics are stable materials in contact with metallic melts and bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) may be used as metal–matrix composites (MMCs). In this study, the wetting behavior and metal-oxide interfaces in the CuZr-based BMGs/alumina system were investigated by the sessile drop method in a high vacuum furnace. It was found that Cu50Zr50, Cu45Zr48Al7 and Cu40Zr44Al8Ag8 BMG presented final equilibrium contact angle values around 43°, 13° and 2° at respective temperature of melting point. The samples were cut transversaly and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electronic probe microscopic analyzer (EPMA). The interface was continuous and no intermediate reaction layer was formed at the interface of CuZr-based BMGs/alumina. However, diffusion band was observed at the fringe of metallic drop.