Enhancement of plasticity in Zr-base bulk metallic glass by soft metal plating

We investigated the effect of Cu plating with micron-size grains on the shear band formation and plasticity of a Zr-base bulk metallic glass (BMG). We found that the plasticity of the BMG can be efficiently enhanced and the detrimental effect of surface scratches on ductility can be overcome by the application of Cu plating. The proliferation of shear bands and the enhanced plasticity in Cu-plated BMG was linked to the absorption of elastic energy release in the soft Cu layer.