Ternary La–Al–C bulk metallic glasses

Glass formation, thermal stability, elastic moduli and mechanical properties of La–Al–C bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were investigated. The BMGs of La57.5Al32.5C10, La60Al30C10, and La62.5Al27.5C10 with the maximal diameters up to 3 mm can be synthesized. Compared with other La-based glassy systems, like La–Al–(Co, Ni, Cu), the La–Al–C BMGs with the similar La concentration exhibit higher glass transition temperatures (507–577 K) and elastic constants. The La–Al–C BMGs with the unusual Tg and elastic moduli fill a gap in thermal and elastic properties between light rare-earth-based BMGs and heavy rare-earth-based ones. The compressive yield strength of La57.5Al32.5C10 BMG reaches to ∼1.1 GPa, higher than that of other reported La-based BMGs. The ternary BMGs with simple element constituent, high glass-forming ability and superior mechanical properties are significant for fundamental research as model materials.