Cu metallization of the surface of Cu–Zr-based metallic glass

Cu metallization of the surface of Cu–Zr-based metallic glass was studied in this work. The glass was prepared by casting the melt of a Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 pre-alloy into a Cu mold cavity where one of the cavity walls was covered with Cu foil of 2 μm in thickness. Amorphous Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 alloy was successfully formed and welded to the Cu foil. Microstructural analysis revealed the presence of a reaction layer at the interface between the Cu foil and the Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 metallic glass. Cu metallization played an important role in preventing the formation of an oxide layer and consequently improved the wettability of Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 metallic glass by Pb-free solder.

► Cu metallization of the surface of CuZrAlAg bulk metallic glass (BMG). ► Cu foil and BMG were welded through the reaction layer. ► Solder-wetting of the Cu metallized BMG was markedly improved.