Effect of W addition on the glass forming ability and mechanical properties of Fe-based metallic glass

The effects of refractory element W addition on the glass forming ability (GFA) and mechanical properties of Fe47−xCr20Mo10WxC15B6Y2 (x = 0, 2, 4, 6 at. %) alloys were investigated. The supercooled liquid region ΔTx (Tx − Tg) and criterion γ [Tx/(Tg + Tl)] of Fe47−xCr20Mo10WxC15B6Y2 alloys increased to 62 K and 0.390, respectively, when x increased to 4 at. %. An appropriate substitution of Fe by W (4 at. %) significantly improved the GFA by suppressing the formation of the Fe23B6 phase. The GFA and thermal stability decreased when x increased to 6 at. %. The Fe43Cr20Mo10W4C15B6Y2 bulk metallic glass (BMG) rod with an 8 mm diameter could be fabricated by using commercial purity materials. The addition of the refractory W element could also enhance the microhardness, compressive strength and plasticity of Fe47−xCr20Mo10WxC15B6Y2 BMGs. The Fe41Cr20Mo10W6C15B6Y2 BMG exhibited high compressive strength of 4.12 GPa and microhardness of 1267 HV. •Refractory W element addition had significant effects on the glass forming ability (GFA) and mechanical properties.•Low cost Fe-Cr-Mo-W-C-B-Y bulk metallic glass (BMG) was fabricated.•Fe43Cr20Mo10W4C15B6Y2 BMG exhibits good thermal stability and mechanical properties.