Advances in Synthesis and Characterization of Aluminum-Based Amorphous Alloys: A Review

Abstract

Aluminum-based glassy alloys and composites exhibit more than two times higher tensile and compressive strength and superior corrosion resistance compared to the conventional Al alloys. However, the low glass-forming ability (GFA) of Al-based glass-forming compositions restricts the synthesis of large dimension Al-based amorphous alloys. In contrast, powder metallurgy route leads to synthesis of higher-dimension Al-based metallic glasses and composites. A detailed review on the efforts made to improve the dimension and mechanical properties of the Al-based glassy alloys and composites is essential to further develop these materials for industrial applications. Researchers aspiring to develop high-strength light-weight materials can be benefited from such a detailed review on Al-based amorphous alloys and composites. In this review article, a holistic approach is made to understand the GFA, crystallization behavior, corrosion resistance, and mechanical and electronic properties of Al-based glassy alloys and composites. The effects of various alloying elements on GFA and criteria to optimize Al-based glass-forming alloy composition are discussed. The crystallization behavior is discussed with phase-separation and quenched-in nuclei models. The effects of various crystalline phases in the amorphous matrix on corrosion resistance and mechanical and electronic properties are discussed in detail. © 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.