Low-temperature relaxation behavior of a bulk metallic glass leading to improvement of both strength and plasticity

Low temperature relaxation and structural changes in a Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 bulk glassy alloy well below the glass transition temperature are examined by using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Although densification of the sample takes place owing to beginning of structural relaxation both room-temperature mechanical strength and plasticity values are increased. The studied samples exhibited an inverse relationship between compressive strength and hardness. However, no clear structural changes in terms of crystallization or phase separation are observed. The results are interpreted in terms of both structural relaxation and release of internal stresses.

Automated summary

Low temperature relaxation and structural changes in a Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 bulk glassy alloy were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the densification of the sample occurred due to the beginning of structural relaxation, resulting in an increase in room-temperature mechanical strength and plasticity values.