| Characteristic | Copper (Cu) | Zirconium (Zr) |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.96 g/cm³ | 6.52 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1,085°C | 1,852°C |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate resistance to corrosion in neutral media. | High resistance, especially in acidic environments. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 401 W/m·K | 22.7 W/m·K |
| Glass-Forming Ability (GFA) | Forms BMGs, particularly when alloyed with Zr. | High GFA, especially in Cu-Zr-based alloys. |
| Applications | Electrical components, heat exchangers, and alloys. | Nuclear reactors, aerospace, and high-performance alloys. |
| Mechanical Properties | Moderate strength but high ductility. | High strength, particularly in high-temperature environments. |
| Alloying Behavior | Often used in alloys with Zn, Sn, and Zr. | Frequently alloyed with Cu, Ni, Ti, Al for BMGs. |
| Oxidation Resistance | Forms copper oxide (CuO) in oxidizing environments. | Forms protective ZrO₂ layer, excellent for high-temp use. |
| Role in BMGs | Used to improve ductility and reduce brittleness. | Enhances glass-forming ability and corrosion resistance in BMGs. |
Cu and Zr are often combined to exploit their complementary properties in glass-forming alloys highlights the distinct advantages of each material in various industrial and scientific applications. Both copper and zirconium play pivotal roles in enhancing glass-forming ability and mechanical properties when alloyed, especially in high-performance applications like bulk metallic glasses.