Effects of ultrasonic treatment on the structure and properties of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses

The effects of ultrasonic treatment on the structure and properties of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMG) at room temperature were investigated by nanoindentation, in situ high-pressure synchrotron diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results show that the glassy characteristics of the samples were stable up to 31 GPa. Furthermore, the hardness, elastic modulus, and distribution of reduced hardness improved after ultrasonic treatment. The DSC results indicate that ultrasonic treatment increased the thermal stability of the BMG. This study reveals that ultrasonic treatment can be used as an effective way to design BMG-based materials with selective properties.

► The Zr-based BMG was subjected to ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic device.
► The ultrasonic treatment (UST) can improve the stability of Zr-based BMG.
► UST can cause the annihilation of free volume and the structural relaxation of BMG.
► UST can be used to design BMG-based materials with selective properties.