Heterogeneity of a Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 bulk metallic glass.

Authors :: K. B. Kim
Das, J.
Baier, F.
M. B. Tang
W. H. Wang
Eckert, J.
Source :: Applied Physics Letters. 1/30/2006, Vol. 88 Issue 5, p051911. 3p. 2 Black and White Photographs, 2 Graphs.
Publication Year :: 2006
Abstract: Microstructural investigation of an as-cast Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 bulk metallic glass (BMG) reveals two amorphous phases formed by liquid phase separation. The morphology of the phase separated amorphous regions is spherical with 10–20 nm in size. These areas are homogeneously distributed throughout the sample. Moreover, a macroscopic heterogeneity also occurs along with the nano-scale liquid phase separation. The macroscopic heterogeneity can be distinguished from the different degree of the chemical fluctuations in the sample, and the existence of nano-scale crystals of less than 5 nm in size. Presumably, both the macroscopic heterogeneity and the nano-scale phase separation enhance branching of the shear bands during deformation in the Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 BMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]