Abstract: A composite material based on a bulk metallic glass is disclosed. In an amorphous alloy phase forming a substantially continuous matrix, a second phase comprising graphite particles is embedded. The alloy is preferably zirconium based. The particles may have a carbide surface layer, which may be formed phase comprising carbide particles may also be present. The composite material has high plasticity, high yield strength, good elasticity and low coefficient of friction, which renders it a good candidate for applications like joints, frictional bearings or Springs.

Abstract: An alloy is disclosed which contains at least four components. The alloy has a bulk structure containing at least one amorphous phase. The alloy composition follows an “80:20 scheme”, i.e., the alloy composition is [(AxD100?x)a(EyG100?y)100?a]100?bZb with the number “a” being approximately 80. Preferably, component A is Zr. The other components D, E, G and, optionally, Z are all different from each other and different from component A. A preferred system is Zr—Cu—Fe—Al. Further disclosed are Cu-free systems of the type Zr—Fe—AI-Pd/Pt. Importantly, the alloy is substantially free of nickel. This makes the alloy especially suitable for medical applications. Methods of preparing such an alloy, uses of the alloy and articles manufactured from the alloy are also disclosed.

Abstract: Metallic glasses of superior mechanical and magnetic properties are manufactured by annealing the glasses under the influence of an electric current to convert the glass to a composite that includes crystallites, preferably nanocrystallites, dispersed through an amorphous matrix.