Homogeneity and Structure of CuZrAlY Metallic Glass Ribbons

Metallic glasses are metastable amorphous structures produced by quenching-rapid cooling. Due to very high cooling rates during the production process it is very difficult to produce homogenous samples with the same chemical composition. We present the results of examination of homogeneity and structure of CuZrAlY metallic glass ribbons. The ribbons, approximately 1.5 m long and 1 mm wide were produced using melt spinning technique. The investigated samples, 1 cm long and 1 mm wide were chosen from the middle and the end of produced ribbons. The surface of the samples was examined by metallographic and electron scanning microscopy. Chemical composition in different areas of each sample was checked by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The differences in structure of the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction. Electrical resistivity measurement in temperature range from 80 to 300 K are presented also.