Thermophysical parameters governing the glass formation and crystallization of CuZr

Cu-Zr is one of the best binary metallic glass formers. Here, new data on the enthalpy and specific heat difference between undercooled melt and crystal phases are provided for the equiatomic composition CuZr. Together with a comprehensive collection of literature data on the heat of crystallization and fusion, on the viscosity and crystal growth rate, the parameters needed for the application of the Classical Nucleation Theory are assessed. The TTT and CCT curves for crystallization are computed allowing the determination of the crystal-liquid interfacial energy by fitting the critical cooling rate for bulk glass formation. The glass forming tendency of CuZr is discussed pointing to the role of the high interfacial energy and the sluggish interdiffusion in the undercooled melt.