Rapid relaxation and embrittlement of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses by electropulsing

► Electropulsing treatment was conducted on Zr-based bulk metallic glasses. ► Higher pulse frequency caused higher peak temperature and heating was non-uniform. ► Nanoindentations revealed that mechanical properties varied according to temperature. ► Specimens were embrittled and nano-crystals were observed in highest temperature one. ► Electrical pulse accelerates thermal activated relaxations in metallic glasses.