Effect of microalloying on the glass-forming ability of Cu60Zr30Ti10 bulk metallic glass

One atomic percent of Sn and Si each was added (replacing Zr) to the bulk-glass-forming Cu60Zr30Ti10 alloy. Sn improves the glass-forming ability (GFA) of the alloy, while Si triggers nanocrystalline phase formation in the glassy matrix, as resolved by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The observed variation does not originate from atomic size and/or heats of mixing effects. The results described here indicate, rather, that Sn improves GFA because it reduces the liquidus temperature and shifts the composition toward the off-eutectic reaction during melting.