Spark Plasma Sintering of a Zr-Based Metallic Glass

Development of metallic glasses is hindered by the difficulties in manufacturing bulk parts. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of glassy alloys using the spark plasma sintering of gas atomized powders. The Zr-based processed alloy has a high glass forming ability. Its densification is obtained at the glass transition temperature (390 degrees C) under high pressure (approximate to 500 MPa). Systematic study of the effect of powder particle size and sintering time is performed through structural and thermal analyses. Local and partial devitrification of the amorphous alloy is detected, resulting from local temperature overshoots. From these analyses, an approach of the spark plasma sintering mechanism of metallic glasses is proposed.