Enhanced plasticity in a Ti-based bulk metallic glass-forming alloy by in situ formation of a composite microstructure

A bulk metallic glass-forming Ti–Cu–Ni–Sn alloy with in situ formed composite microstructure prepared by both centrifugal and injection casting presents more than 6% plastic strain under compressive stress at room temperature. The in situ formed composite contains dendritic hexagonal-close-packed-Ti solid solution precipitates and a few Ti₃Sn, β –(Cu, Sn) grains dispersed in a glassy matrix. The composite microstructure can avoid the development of the highly localized shear bands typical for the room-temperature deformation of monolithic glasses. Instead, highly developed shear bands with evident protuberance are observed, resulting in significant yielding and homogeneous plastic deformation over the entire sample.