Nanocrystallization-induced large room-temperature compressive plastic strain of Ti40Zr25Ni8Cu9Be18 BMG

By combining neutron diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and thermal analysis measurements, the microstructure of as-cast Ti40Zr25Ni8Cu9Be18 BMG with diameter of 2 mm was identified to be quenched-in nuclei/amorphous matrix. The quenched-in nuclei transform to (Ti,Zr)Be2 nanocrystals with the average size of 4 nm homogeneously distributed into the amorphous matrix during deformation, which could be responsible for the large room-temperature compressive plastic strain, up to 8.0% at a constant strain rate of 5 × 10−4 s−1.

Research highlights▶ Combination of neutron diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and thermal analysis measurements. ▶ Determination of the microstructure of as-cast Ti40Zr25Ni8Cu9Be18 BMG. ▶ (Ti,Zr)Be2 nanocrystals with the average size of 4 nm homogeneously distributed into the amorphous matrix. ▶ large room-temperature compressive plastic strain, up to 8.0% at a constant strain rate of 5 × 10−4 S−1.