Strong work-hardening behavior in a Ti-based bulk metallic glass composite

A Ti-based bulk metallic glass composite showing high fracture strength of 3 GPa, large plasticity of 18.3% and strong work-hardening behavior was developed. It was found that the enhanced properties could be mainly attributed to the severely confined deformation of B2-(Ti, Zr)(Cu, Ni) as a result of the precipitation strengthening from the nanosized ZrTiCu2 and CuTi2 phases located in its grain boundaries. Additionally, the occurrence of the strain-induced martensitic transformation of the B2 phase is also beneficial for the macroscopic properties.