High density of shear bands and enhanced free volume induced in Zr70Cu20Ni10 metallic glass by high-energy ball milling

► Shear bands with a minimal spacing of about 30 nm were induced by ball milling. ► The mean atomic volume of the ball-milled metallic glass is about 1% higher. ► 28.8% more free volume is introduced in the ball-milled metallic glass.