Tailoring the structural heterogeneity and electrochemical behavior of Fe-based bulk metallic glasses by Ar+ irradiation.

The microstructure, electrochemical responses, and passive film characteristics of FeCrMoWCBY bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) under Ar+ irradiation were investigated. Under exposure to high irradiation fluence, BMGs retained a large portion of an amorphous structure and exhibited excellent corrosion resistance in 1 mol/l HCl solution. With the enhancive irradiation fluence, the increasing crystal-like clusters and even nanocrystals were gradually precipitated from the exterior amorphous matrix of BMGs. By reducing the proportions of Cr3+/Mo6+/W6+ cations and work functions at the outer passive film, the nano-crystallization destroyed the uniformity and stability of passive films, thus weakening the anti-corrosion capacity of irradiated BMGs. This finding facilitates the potential application of Fe-based BMGs under extreme nuclear-irradiated conditions. [Display omitted] • Fe-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) show superior irradiation resistance. • Slight nanocrystals were precipitated at the intense irradiated surface of BMGs. • Heterogeneity destabilized passive films and weakened the anti-corrosion of BMGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]