Ternary Sm–Al–Co bulk metallic glass with high glass-forming ability

Ternary Sm55Al25Co20 alloy has been cast into full glassy rod up to at least 4 mm in diameter. Compared with the previously reported quinary Sm-based bulk metallic glass (BMG), the glass-forming ability (GFA) and the thermal stability ability of the ternary Sm55Al25Co20 BMG are obviously enhanced. The origin of the Sm55Al25Co20 alloy with less components exhibiting higher GFA is discussed, and it is demonstrated that the large negative mixing enthalpy is predominantly responsible for this feature of Sm55Al25Co20 alloy.