Bulk Metallic Glasses

Bulk metallic glasses (bulk amorphous alloys) constitute an exciting class of metallic materials for structural and functional use. These glass-forming metallic alloys vitrify at relatively low cooling rates (from the molten state), compared with conventional rapidly quenched metallic glasses. Owing to their exceptional resistance to crystallization, these 'easy' glass-forming alloys can be cast in bulk form with dimensions of millimeters or centimeters. The development of such alloys has opened the possibility for studies of the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of undercooled liquids. It also looks at applications for glassy metals based on the ability to fabricate three-dimensional shapes and components. It has become apparent that the development of bulk glass-forming alloys has ushered in a second generation of development in the field of amorphous metals. This book discusses the progress being made. Topics include: atomic and electronic structure; general topics in bulk metallic glasses; glass-forming ability and thermal stability; thermal stability, transport and magnetic properties and mechanical and other properties.