From nanoglasses to bulk massive glasses

Molecular dynamics simulations are presented that provide evidence for the existence of diluted interfaces in nanoglasses, which is a class of material that can be synthesized by consolidating glassy nanoparticles. By comparing simulations of a covalently bonded Ge nanoglass and a metallic CuZr nanoglass, we show that the delocalization of the excess free volume initially located within the interfaces depends on the flow strain of the material. Our results suggest that the density distribution within a nanoglass can be controlled by the initial particle size and the annealing conditions. Therefore, nanoglasses represent an alternative route for controlling the properties of glassy materials.