Bending behavior of as-cast and annealed ZrCuNiAl bulk metallic glass

Here ZrCuNiAl bulk metallic glass samples were annealed below its glass transition temperature. The bending behaviors and thermal properties of the as-cast and the annealed samples were studied. The increase of annealing time leads to the transition from ductile to more brittle behavior during bending tests. Meanwhile, prolonging the annealing causes a gradual decrease in the free volume content. Based on free volume theory, the change in the microstructure and mechanical properties induced by annealing treatment has been interpreted in detail.