Abstract: Designing and synthesis of cost effective bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) has been of considerable interest during the last decade so that they can be made commercially viable. Among these, Zr-based BMGs have been reported extensively due to their attractive properties. An alloy having composition Zr65Cu18Ni9Al8 was designed and synthesized using 2–3 N pure materials by Cu mould casting. The alloy was characterized by Xray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and high temperature differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal parameters like supercooled liquid region △Tx, reduced glass transition temperature Trg, γ and δ parameters were evaluated. Mechanical properties like microhardness, nanohardness, elastic modulus and fracture strength were measured. The alloy showed wide supercooled liquid region of 129±1 K with improved thermal stability. The alloy has considerable fracture strength along with fair amount of ductility.

Key words: Zr-based bulk amorphous alloys, Mechanical properties, Glass-forming ability, Thermal parameters