Diffusion bonding of a Zr-based metallic glass in its supercooled liquid region

Based on the analyses of the influences of temperature and pressure on diffusion behavior with time, a Zr-based bulk metallic glass is successfully bonded in its supercooled liquid region. The temperature is found to be a key factor for the success of the bonding process if sufficient pressure and time are adopted. Three-point bending tests show that the flexural performance of the samples bonded with various parameters is significantly different. The parameters in favor of diffusion bonding do not automatically benefit the performance of the bonded materials. Diffusion makes the nano-voids shrink to form metallurgical bonding at the interface and it causes structural relaxation leading to the embrittlement inside bulk. Balance between the two aspects is the key to the bonding success and the utility of the bonded materials.