Research on Zr50Al15Ni10Cu25 bulk amorphous alloys prepared by mechanical alloying and low pressure sintering.

<title/> Amorphous Zr50Al15Ni10Cu25 alloy powders were fabricated by mechanical alloying technique with commercially pure element powders. The effects of small amount of C, Si3N4 and SiC powders addition on the thermal stability and crystallisation behaviour of the Zr50Al15Ni10Cu25 amorphous alloy were investigated. The blended powders were compacted into bars by oil hydraulic press, and were sintered in argon atmosphere at different temperatures and pressures. The samples before and after sintering were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and electron tensile testing machine. The results demonstrated that a proper addition of Si3N4 powders to the amorphous matrix can improve the thermal stability of the matrix. Suitable additives can help to improve the density and mechanical properties of the matrix in sintering process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]