Developing Au-based amorphous alloys

The present work is aimed at exploring new systems, close to 18 karat gold, for the synthesis of amorphous alloys. Results are reported on glass-forming tendency, microstructure and stability of various compositions in the Au-Cu-Si, Au-Cu-Ti-Si and Au-Cu-Y systems. Glass formation has been achieved in Au-Cu-Si at a composition corresponding to the minimum of the mixing enthalpy in the liquid state, whereas formation of unknown intermetallics limit the quenchability of Au-Cu-Y.