Synthesis of Ag-based bulk metallic glass in the Ag–Mg–Ca–[Cu] alloy system

A number of novel silver-based bulk metallic glasses from the Ag–Mg–Ca ternary and Ag–Mg–Ca–Cu quaternary alloy systems have been discovered. These amorphous alloys are located over a broad composition range from (at.%): 30 to 61% Ag, 7 to 38% Mg, 7 to 30% Ca and 0 to 15% Cu often far from ternary eutectic reactions. These new amorphous alloys have been developed in light of their potential applications as functional materials with high electrical and thermal conductivity combined with the superplastic formability of a metallic glass. Reported are the critical casting size and thermophysical properties of these bulk glassy alloys.

► In this work, we report the discovery of the first Ag-based bulk metallic glasses. ► These were found over a broad composition range in the Ag–Mg–Ca–[Cu] system. ► These alloys were found far from ternary eutectic reactions. ► These alloys display critical amorphous casting sizes up to 4 mm in diameter. ► We report their critical casting size and full range of thermophysical properties.