The mechanical properties of a nanoglass/metallic glass/nanoglass sandwich structure

 The mechanical properties of a sandwich architecture composed of Cu50Zr50 nanoglass (NG)/Cu50Zr50 metallic glass (MG)/Cu50Zr50 NG are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The plastic deformation along the glass–glass interfaces in NG layers and the compressive residual stress in the MG layer provide the enhanced ductility, manifested as improved strain localization and delayed shear band formation; meanwhile the strength remains high in the MG layer. We provide routes to obtain strong, ductile MGs and to protect MGs by NG surface coating.