Hf-based bulk metallic glasses with critical diameter on centimeter scale

New Hf-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have been discovered in the Hf-Cu-Ni-Al quaternary system. These interesting BMGs (i) are based on a refractory element and have relatively high glass transition and crystallization temperatures, (ii) exhibit excellent glass-forming ability with a critical diameter in the 8-10 mm range for copper mold casting, and (iii) have relatively high mass density (> similar to 11 g/cc). The combination of these properties is important for the BMG matrix in composites for kinetic energy penetrator applications. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.