Bulk nickel-phosphorus-boron glasses bearing manganese, niobium and tantalum

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to Ni—P—B alloys and glasses containing small fractions of Nb and Ta and optionally Mn. Over a specific range, the alloys are capable of forming bulk metallic glasses having critical casting thickness in excess of 1 mm. In one embodiment, compositions with a Mn content of between 3 and 4 atomic percent, Nb content of about 3 atomic percent, B content of about 3 atomic percent, and P content of about 16.5 atomic percent, where the balance in Ni, were capable of forming bulk metallic glass rods with diameters as large as 5 mm or larger. In another embodiment, Ni-based compositions with a Mn content of between 5 and 7 atomic percent, Ta content of between 1 and 2 atomic percent, B content of about 3 atomic percent, and P content of about 16.5 atomic percent, where the balance in Ni, were capable of forming bulk metallic glass rods with diameters as large as 5 mm or larger.