Bulk amorphous (Mg0.98Al0.02)60Cu30Y10 alloy

The addition of a small amount of Al to Mg-Cu-Y on the alloy's ability to form a bulk amorphous phase is examined. A bulk amorphous phase can be prepared by quenching the material into wedge or plate formed molds. The maximum thickness of the amorphous phase with the addition of Al was found to be comparable to that without Al, ≈2 mm. The difference between the glass and the crystallization temperatures are found to decrease with addition of Al. The formation of nanoscale particles is observed for the Al containing alloy after annealing to 523 K. The addition of Al to the Mg-Cu-Y system leads to an increase in strength and fracture toughness.