Mechanical and tribological properties of Zr–Al–Ni–Cu bulk metallic glasses

Mechanical as well as tribological properties of three Zr-based BMGs, i.e. Zr61Al12.2Ni5Cu21.8, Zr60.6Al13.6Ni7.5Cu18.3 and Zr60Al15Ni10Cu15, having electron concentration ratio e/a = 1.5 and average atomic size Ra = 0.1492 nm, were studied and a correlation between mechanical and tribological properties is discussed. Moreover, a unique elongated fiber like structure was observed on the fractured surface of Zr60.6Al13.6Ni7.5Cu18.3 owing to extensive localized adiabatic heating in the shear band.