Oxidation behavior in super-plastic microforming of Zr65Cu17.5Ni10Al7.5 bulk metallic glass

The influence of oxidation behavior on super-plastic microforming of bulk metallic glass Zr65Cu17.5Ni10Al7.5 in the super-cooled liquid region was investigated. Samples were heated in air from room temperature to 395 degrees C, 410 degrees C, and 430 degrees C, respectively, and kept under each temperature for 40 minutes. The increased weight of samples and the thickness of oxide layer were measured. Subsequently, the sample was compressed under 410 degrees C with a micro gear silicon mold. In result, the oxide layer of the gear cracked and could be easily removed; also, the X-ray diffractometer showed that the gear core below the oxide layer remained an amorphous structure. It can be concluded that the oxidation behavior of Zr65Cu17.5Ni10Al7.5 does not affect the super-plastic deformation, which indicates the feasibility of super-plastic microforming process in air.