A novel structural gradient metallic glass composite with enhanced mechanical properties

A novel structural gradient metallic glass composite was formed by subjecting fully glassy alloy to surface mechanical attrition treatment. The structural gradient consisted of submicron-scale crystallites on the top surface, followed by nano-scale crystallites and a fully amorphous glass matrix inside. Plasticity was greatly improved by up to about 400% comparing with that of as-cast metallic glass. Sub-forming crystallites are responsible for the improvement in plasticity. The result provides a promising approach to form new hybrid materials with high performance.