Phase separation and significant plastic strain in a Zr-Cu-Ni-Al-Fe bulk metallic glass

In this study, we reported a phase-separated Zr62Cu18Ni10.4Al8Fe1.6 bulk metallic glass exhibiting a significant plastic strain at room-temperature. The engineering plastic strain, fracture strength and Young's modulus were determined to be about 32.6%, 2919 MPa and 90 GPa respectively. The enhanced ductility was explained from the view point of elastic energy dissipation, separation length and shear modulus difference between separated phases. This result provides a promising approach to improve the mechanical properties of bulk metallic glasses through compositional and structural design by microalloying.