Mg–Cu–Ag–Er bulk metallic glasses with high glass forming ability and compressive strength

We study the glass forming ability (GFA) and mechanical properties of the Mg–Cu–Ag–Er bulk metallic glass (BMG) systemically in this paper. A new best glass former Mg60.5Cu19.667Ag9.833Er10 is pinpointed using systematic strategy in 3D space. The critical glass formation diameter for this alloy has improved significantly from 6 mm to 11 mm. The Mg63Cu16.8Ag11.2Er9 BMG exhibits yielding and plastic deformation during compressive loading. The fracture strength and plastic strain of Mg63Cu16.8Ag11.2Er9 BMG is 1098 MPa and 0.5%, respectively. The superior mechanical properties compare with other Mg-based BMGs are attributed to the introduction of Er.