Enhanced mechanical properties of multilayered micropillars of amorphous ZrCuTi and nanocrystalline Ta layers

This paper presents the room-temperature mechanical response of as-sputtered amorphous ZrCuTi/crystalline Ta pillars evaluated by micro-compression test. Compared with monolithic ZrCuTi amorphous micro-pillar, the composited pillars exhibits considerably enhanced yield stress as well as improved deforming ability. Instead of the prediction based on iso-stress rule of mixture, the stress of such multilayered micropillars can be well predicted by another model. The positive mechanical properties are attributed to the positive effects from the high-stiffness Ta layers, which do not involve in formation of shear bands but can retard shear bands propagation via forming “plastic zone” in the constrained amorphous ZrCuTi layers.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Micro-mechanical response of multilayered micropillars. ► The incorporation of hard Ta layers into the amorphous ZrCu layers enhances strength. ► The incorporation of hard Ta layers also enhances deforming ability. ► The Ta layer can retard shear bands propagation via forming “plastic zone”.