Characterization of crystalline inclusions in cast bulk Zr-Cu-Ni-Al glassy alloy

In order to clarify intrinsic features of bulk glassy alloys, the structural control is the most significant factor. However, it is difficult to obtain a single glassy phase by conventional casting methods. Crystalline inclusions in Zr-based bulk glassy alloy are often seen on the fracture surface. Crystalline inclusions are easily formed in molten alloy state by inhomogeneous nucleation or impurities i.e. oxygen, magnesium dichloride and so on. In Zr₅₅Cu₃₀Ni₅Al₁₀ bulk glassy alloy, most of the crystalline inclusions are probably considered as τ₃ type intermetallic compound with typical composition of Zr₅₁Cu ₂₈Al₂₁. The morphology of the crystalline inclusions is changed by the quantity of absorbed oxygen impurities in bulk glassy alloy.