Role of nanometer-scale quasicrystals in improving the mechanical behavior of Ti-based bulk metallic glasses

Abstract

The effect of the precipitation of nanosized quasicrystals on the mechanical properties of Ti–Zr–Cu–Ni–Be bulk metallic glasses (BMG) has been investigated. The Ti40Zr29Cu8Ni7Be16 BMG crystallizes by forming a few nanometer-size quasicrystals in the amorphous matrix, enabling the fabrication of quasicrystal-reinforced BMG matrix composites. Simultaneous improvement of strength and ductility can be obtained when 3–5-nm-size quasicrystals are isolated and homogeneously distributed in an amorphous matrix. The fracture strength and global strain, respectively, increase from 1921 MPa and 5.1% for as-cast BMG to 2084 MPa and 6.2% for partially crystallized BMG with the volume fraction of ∼7% quasicrystals. These improvements may be attributed to the structural similarity between quasicrystalline and amorphous phases. Stable low-energy interface between two phases may act as a source for multiple-shear-band formation.