The atomic structure of Zr–Cu binary amorphous alloys was studied using real space pair distribution functions derived from x-ray diffraction. The structure can be modeled by an ideal solution approximation because of relatively weak Cu–Zr atomic interactions. Addition of Al to Zr–Cu metallic glasses modifies the atomic structure in the short and medium range order because of the strongly attractive interaction between Al and Zr atoms. These interactions generate strong deviations from the ideal solution behavior.
Glass‐formation is based on competition between undercooling of the liquid and nucleation of crystal phases, so it is usually obtained around eutectic points. The aim of this work is to analyse the eutectic position and the possible presence of ternary phases in the Cu‐Mg‐Y ternary system, which has been proved to form bulk metallic glasses. The equilibrium crystal phases of the Mg27Cu38Y35 and Mg65Cu25Y10 alloys have been identified, combining experimental data obtained by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. New ternary MgCuY, Mg3CuY and Mg4CuY phases are suggested. New ternary phases with composition Mg3CuY (τ4) and Mg4CuY (τ5) are suggested.
A thermodynamic analysis of the undercooled liquid and glass transition in the ternary Cu-Mg-Y system has been carried out. To this purpose, a number of experimental data on the amorphous phase and on the undercooled liquid has been considered (glass transition temperatures, specific heat). A proper modelling of the glass transition has been applied, which has been proved suitable for the description of thermodynamic properties of the liquid-amorphous phase. Calculated and experimental quantities show a good agreement. An improved description of the behaviour of the specific heat of the liquid phase on undercooling has been obtained. The present thermodynamic assessment is suitable for estimating the Glass Forming Ability in this ternary system.
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