Al-rich bulk metallic glasses with plasticity and ultrahigh specific strength

Aluminum-based amorphous metals are interesting lightweight alloys with superior mechanical and corrosion properties, but have never been achieved in bulk form. Here we report the first success of obtaining Al-rich (86 at.% Al) bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), based on an alloy composition designed from the preferable internal glass structure. The Al BMGs discovered exhibit ultrahigh specific strength, as well as obvious plasticity.