Eutectic crystallization behavior of new Zr₄₈Cu ₃₆Al₈Ag₈ alloy with high glass-forming ability

A water quenching method is used to produce as-cast Zr₄₈Cu ₃₆Al₈Ag₈ rods with diameters from 20 mm to 25 mm. The microstructures of the as-cast samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the crystallization behavior of the Zr₄₈Cu₃₆Al ₈Ag₈ glassy alloy was examined by XRD and transmission electron microscopy. Based on the results obtained one can assume that the simultaneous precipitation of the Zr₂Cu+AlCu₂Zr eutectic phases is the possible reason for the high stabilization of the quaternary Zr₄₈Cu₃₆Al₈Ag₈ supercooled liquid.