Effect of TaW particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of metastable Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 alloys

By introducing TaW particles into the Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 melt, it was found that B2 CuZr dendrites nucleate and grow around the TaW particles, implying that these refractory particles can be effectively used to modify the microstructures of metastable CuZr-based alloys. At constant TaW addition of 2 at% a decreasing particle size (i.e. higher density of nucleation sites) clearly promotes the nucleation of the B2 phase, but deteriorates the glass-forming ability (GFA) of the glassy matrix. All investigated samples exhibit compressive plasticity and obvious work hardening during deformation and the corresponding deformation mechanisms are discussed. Our studies may provide a strategy to control the formation of B2 CuZr phase in CuZr-based BMG composites. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.