Glass forming ability of Zr48Cu36Al16-xAgx alloys determined by three different methods

This work was focused on the glass forming ability (GFA) of Zr48Cu36Al16-xAgx alloys (x = 0, 2, … 16) examination using three different methods. Critical diameters were determined by both discrete (classic) and continuous (cone test) methods. Several commonly used GFA thermal indicators were investigated as well. Due to oxygen contamination strong influence on the GFA of Zr-based alloys, oxygen content was measured in each prepared alloy by inert gas fusion method. Additionally, the authors discussed the alloy composition influence on the critical diameters and their respective thermal indicators values. These values were compared and their correlation with critical diameters was evaluated in terms of R2 correlation coefficient values. The best correlation was calculated for the θ indicator (R2 = 0.979).