Correlation between structures and properties in (Zr65Cu 15Ni10Al10)90Nb10 alloys

A quasicrystal (QC)-based alloy composite was made by copper mold casting under a low-vacuum level condition at the bulk metallic glass (BMG)-forming composition (Zr₆₅Cu₁₅Al₁₀Ni₁₀) ₉₀Nb₁₀. The QC alloy consisted of a majority of icosahedral quasicrystal phase and a small amount Zr-rich glassy phase. Under uniaxial compression at room temperature, the BMG alloy exhibits a certain plastic strain; the QC alloy is much stronger but brittle. The icosahedral glass model was used to describe the I-phase structure. The structure-property relations of the BMG and QC alloys are discussed assuming the common preferential icosahedral atomic structure in both cases and the existence of local glue structure in the BMG structure. © 2013 Materials Research Society.