Ultra-high strength Mg–Li based bulk metallic glasses: Preparation and performance research

In this paper, new Mg–Li based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are prepared by conventional copper mold injection casting method. The alloys exhibit excellent mechanical properties, such as ultra-high compressive fracture strength (maximal 729 MPa), high Vickers hardness (>2 GPa) and low elastic modulus (∼35 GPa). Compared with the corresponding crystal alloys, the density of the amorphous alloy samples is reduced by about 1.5% due to their free volume. Thus, it is believed that this new BMGs with these outstanding properties will broaden Mg–Li based alloys’ application fields.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fabricating a new Mg–Li based Mg–Li–Cu–Ni–Y BMG with 2 mm diameter through copper mold injection-casting method. ► Mg–Li–Cu–Ni–Y BMG exhibiting excellent mechanical properties. ► The as-cast amorphous alloy’ density reducing 1.5%.