Homogeneity and structure of CuZrAlY metallic glass ribbons

Metallic glasses are metastable amorphous structures produced by quenching-rapid cooling technique. Due to very high cooling rates during the production process, it is very difficult to produce homogeneous samples with identical chemical composition. In this paper we will present preliminary results of homogeneity and structure examinations of a CuZrAlY metallic glass ribbon. The ribbon, approximately 1.5 m long and 1 mm wide, was produced using melt spinning technique. Samples from the middle and the end of the ribbon were chosen for further examination. Surface was checked by metallographic and electron scanning microscopy. Chemical composition in different areas of each sample was checked by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Electrical resistivity measurements in the temperature range from 80 K to 280 K were also conducted.