Prediction of glass-forming compositions using liquidus temperature calculations

A predictive model for metallic glass compositional design was constructed based upon the calculated liquidus temperatures. Furthermore, a parameter, termed α, was defined in order to quantify the relative depth of a eutectic in an alloy system. Large α parameters signify higher glass-forming ability. Comparisons of this theory and experimental results given in literature from varied sources and alloy types show that compositions containing relatively high α values correspond to successfully produced bulk metallic glasses. Specifically, an α parameter value in excess of 1 suggests a slight tendency for glass formation, while α values greater than 1.5 suggest a very strong tendency. Thus, the α parameter can serve as a tool for quantifying potential bulk metallic glass alloys in terms of limiting their requirement for rapid quenching. This technique is appropriate for both constituent element selection and composition optimization.