Surface Modification of Zr₄₈Cu₃₆Al₈Ag₈ Bulk Metallic Glass through Glow Discharge Plasma Nitriding

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are advanced materials with unique properties.
• Zirconium-based BMGs offer high glass-forming ability and good mechanical characteristics.
• Their thermal stability allows for surface modifications like low-temperature plasma nitriding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of plasma nitriding parameters on Zr48Cu36Al8Ag8 BMG.
• To analyze the influence of ion accelerating voltage on structure and micromechanical properties.
• To optimize surface treatment for improved material performance.

Main Methods:

• Low-temperature plasma nitriding of Zr48Cu36Al8Ag8 BMG.
• Analysis of structural and micromechanical properties.
• Testing nanohardness, layer adhesion (scratch test), and wear resistance (ball-on-disc).

Main Results:

• Significant increase in surface nanohardness observed after nitriding.
• Nitrided layers demonstrated high adhesion to the BMG substrate.
• Improved wear resistance of the bulk metallic glass surface.

Conclusions:

• Low-temperature plasma nitriding effectively enhances surface properties of Zr-based BMGs.
• Surface modification is achievable via diffusion processes in plasma without crystallization.
• This method offers a route to improve mechanical performance of BMGs.