Bulk glass-forming metallic alloys: Science and technology [1998 MRS Medal Award Lecture, presented at Symposium MM]

The paper begins with some brief remarks about the history and background of the field of bulk glass-forming metallic alloys. This is followed by a discussion of multicomponent glass-forming alloys and deep eutectics, the chemical constitution of these new alloys, and how they differ from metallic glasses of a decade ago or earlier. The development of bulk glass forming alloys has led to interesting studies of the deeply undercooled liquid alloys, which are made possible by the exceptional stability with respect to crystallization. Recent advances made in this area will be illustrated by several examples. The paper continues with a discussion of some of the physical properties of bulk metallic glasses. Mechanical properties are specifically discussed. Some interesting potential applications of bulk metallic glasses will be mentioned.