Exceptionally broad bulk metallic glass formation in the Mg–Cu–Yb system

This study presents an extensive series of novel bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) which broadly span all three corners of the Mg–Cu–Yb ternary system. Over 30 alloys were synthesised within a wide composition range from (at.%): Mg: 13–55, Cu: 17.5–45.5, and Yb: 9–70. In terms of composition, this ternary system is considered to be one of the broadest for bulk glass formation known - this probably due to the three elements’ thermodynamic compatibility and unique combinations of atomic radii, which generate specific, favoured structural topologies. The investigation reports the design method, critical casting size, thermophysical characteristics and mechanical properties of these new BMGs.