Shear bands in a bulk metallic glass after large plastic deformation

A transmission electron microscopy investigation is conducted to trace shear bands in a Zr53Cu18.7Ni12Al16.3 bulk metallic glass after experiencing 4% plastic deformation. Shear band initiation, secondary shear band interactions, mature shear band broadening and the interactions of shear bands with shear-induced nanocrystals are captured. Results suggest that the plasticity of the bulk metallic glass is enhanced by complex shear bands and their interactions which accommodate large plastic strain and prevent catastrophic shear band propagation.