Structural effects of shot-peening in bulk metallic glasses

Shot-peening induces surface compressive stresses in bulk metallic glass components, improving their plasticity. Structural changes in the peened surface of fully glassy and partially crystalline Zr55Al10Cu30Ni5 are studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. An earlier study is extended by examining the effect of sample temperature. While fully glassy samples show no phase change under peening, partially crystalline samples show either amorphization or crystallization depending on temperature. Peening can induce very large stored energy in metallic glasses rendering them susceptible to crystallization below room temperature, a result which may be relevant for improving the plasticity of these materials.