Search

Bulk metallic glass composites (BMGCs) containing an in-situ formed metastable β phase (β-type BMGCs) being capable of transforming to martensites, are a promising class of alloys. Nonetheless, the influence of the structural metastability of β phases on the deformation mechanisms of BMGCs remains largely unclear. This, however, is crucial for understanding and optimizing plastic deformability. In this study, three Ti-based β-type BMGCs with nominal compositions of (Ti 0.505 Zr 0.353 Fe 0.028 Be 0.114 ) 100− x Cu x ( x = 1, 5, 8) have been developed, in each of which the β-Ti phase has a different metastability. For x = 8, the β phase precipitates exclusively and does not transform martensitically during deformation. At the lowest Cu content ( x = 1), however, the β phase contains a high density of fine ω phase upon quenching, which hinders the deformation-induced martensitic transformation. β phases in both BMGCs deform plastically by dislocation glide. Only when x = 5 does the β phase undergo the martensitic transformation to α″-Ti due to an appropriate degree of metastability. The reversible phase transformation between β and α″ followed by twinning in α″ on continuing deformation leads to a “double yielding” behavior and results in strong work-hardening capability as well as superelasticity during compression (cyclic loading) tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a class of Zr-based bulk glassy alloy with enhanced plasticity. The microstructure of this glassy alloy consists of dispersion of 2–5nm nanocrystallites embedded in the glassy matrix. Under compression, this glassy alloy displays high strength up to 2250MPa together with a large plastic strain of 5.5–14.5%. The improved plasticity is ascribed to the interaction between shear bands and nanocrystallites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]