Strain-field evolution in a CuZr-based bulk metallic glass composite during tensile deformation

Bulk metallic glass composites (BMGCs) reinforced with a B2-CuZr phase exhibit improved ductility. However, the relationship between the macroscopic plastic deformation of BMGCs and the microscopic strain evolution is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the strain-field evolution of a Cu44.3Zr48Al4Nb3.7 (at%) BMGC by using an in-situ digital image correlation technique during tensile deformation. The strain-field evolution in the composite containing B2-CuZr particles was analysed and compared to that in a Cu47Zr48Al4Nb1 BMG. We found that a high degree of shear strain heterogeneity played a key role in the macroscale plastic deformation, which was attributed to the intrinsic structural heterogeneities. These findings have implications for the development of BMGCs with excellent tensile properties.