Eutectic crystallization during fracture of Zr-Cu-Co-Al metallic glass

We report a eutectic-type crystallization phenomenon during the fracture of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass. The eutectic crystalline colonies are found to have an average visible diameter of 390±190 nm. This process gives a direct evidence for the deformation-induced crystallization caused by temperature rise, which can reach as high as 1000 K. Meanwhile, the occurrence of eutectic crystallization is found to be closely correlated with the plasticity of bulk metallic glass.