Maximizing the degree of rejuvenation in metallic glasses

As the reverse process of relaxation, rejuvenation is the structural excitation process that can bring metallic glasses (MGs) to a higher energy state and usually increases their free volume. Here, using a dilution procedure conducted by randomly removing atoms from the modeled glass matrix, the degree of rejuvenation can be systematically controlled and the maximum rejuvenation threshold of MGs is identified. The structural relaxation is activated during the rejuvenation process and the dynamic balance between free volume creation and annihilation defines the rejuvenation ability of MGs. The highest degree of rejuvenation correlates to the flow strain of the materials and the structure is similar to that found in shear bands. (c) 2022 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Rejuvenation is the reverse process of relaxation in metallic glasses, which increases their free volume and brings them to a higher energy state. This study explores the controllable rejuvenation degree through a dilution procedure and identifies the maximum rejuvenation threshold. The activation of structural relaxation and the dynamic balance between free volume creation and annihilation determine the rejuvenation ability of metallic glasses. The highest degree of rejuvenation is related to the flow strain of the materials and exhibits a structure similar to shear bands.