Effects of Ag addition on crystallization, microstructure and mechanical properties of Zr-Cu-Ni-Al-Ag bulk metallic glasses

► Novel Zr-Cu-Ni-Al-Ag BMGs were fabricated by copper mold casting. ► Crystallization behavior is greatly dependent on the content of Ag. ► Plasticity can be improved by an appropriate amount of Ag addition. ► Enhanced plasticity is due to Icosahedral MRO and structural heterogeneity.