Atomic structure and glass forming ability of Cu46Zr46Al8 bulk metallic glass

By using a combination of state-of-the-art experimental and computational methods, the high glass forming ability GFA of Cu46Zr46Al8 alloy is studied from the view of its atomic packing. Three-dimensional atomic configuration is well established. It is found that Al atoms almost homogeneously distribute around Cu and Zr atoms without segregation, causing the local environment around Cu and Zr atoms in Cu46Zr46Al8 bulk metallic glass different from that of the major competing phase of Cu10Zr7. Furthermore, the addition of Al not only increases the amount of icosahedronlike clusters but also makes them more homogeneous distribution, which can enhance the GFA by increasing the structural incompatibility with the competing crystalline phases. © 2008 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.3009320