Non-localized deformation in CuZr multi-layer amorphous films under tension

•Tensile deformation behaviors in multi-layer MG films.•Films with high layer numbers confirmed with a non-localized deformation behavior.•The deformation mode is reasonably controlled by whether Up larger than USB.

In metallic glasses (MGs), plastic deformation at room temperature is dominated by highly localized shear bands. Here we report the non-localized deformation under tension in CuZr multi-layer MGs with a pure amorphous structure using large-scale atomistic simulations. It is demonstrated that amorphous samples with high layer numbers, composed of Cu64Zr36 and Cu40Zr60, or Cu64Zr36 and Cu50Zr50, present obviously non-localized deformation behavior. We reveal that the deformation behavior of the multi-layer-structured MG films is related but not determined by the deformation behavior of the composed individual layers. The criterion for the deformation mode change for MGs with a pure amorphous structure, in generally, was suggested, i.e., the competition between the elastic-energy density stored and the energy density needed for forming one mature shear band in MGs. Our results provide a promising strategy for designing tensile ductile MGs with a pure amorphous structure at room temperature.