Phase-separation-enhanced plasticity in a Cu47.2Zr46.5Al5.5Nb0.8 bulk metallic glass

Based on careful design of composition, a two-glassy-phase Cu47.2Zr46.5Al5.5Nb0.8 bulk metallic glass with a large plasticity (∼16%) was successfully prepared. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy confirm that the bright matrix phase is rich in Zr/Nb while the dark particle phase is rich in Cu/Al. Theoretical calculations suggest that a small difference in shear modulus between phases may be necessary before pronounced plastic deformation can occur.