Effect of electropulsing treatment on the crystallization kinetics of Zr55Ni5Al10Cu30 bulk metallic glass

Zr55Ni5Al10Cu30 bulk metallic glass with a diameter of 3 mm was prepared by copper-mold suction casting combined with covering flux technology under non-vacuum conditions. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of Zr55Ni5Al10Cu30 bulk metallic glass prepared with and without electropulsing treatment on the molten alloy have been studied using the modified JMA equation. Results show that, after electropulsing treatment, the glass transition temperature increases, while the crystallization temperatures and supercooled liquid range both decrease. The activation energies of glass transition and crystallization become reduced and the Avrami exponents of crystallization become raised, indicating that the glass transition and crystallization of Zr55Ni5Al10Cu30 bulk metallic glass are promoted by electropulsing treatment.

► We have developed a new method of preparing BMG under non-vacuum conditions.
► Nonisothermal kinetic of BMG prepared with electropulsing is analyzed.
► Glass transition and crystallization of BMG are promoted by electropulsing.