The prediction of glass-forming compositions in metallic systems - the development of new bulk metallic glasses

A novel methodology of predicting specific compositions for glass forming alloys based on elemental cluster selection, liquidus lines, atomic packing efficiency and ab initio calculations is presented and discussed. The proposed composition selection model has lead to the discovery of a number of novel, soon to be reported Mg, Cu, Zn and Ag-based bulk metallic glasses. The proposed model may also be used to explain high glass forming ability and physical properties of known BMG compositions and to pin-point new or superior BMG compositions in existing glass forming systems. Further, the aforementioned model shows strong correlations between proposed elemental clusters, glass forming ability and BMG ductility. This model has also shown applicable adaptation to known ceramic oxide glass forming systems.