Failure behavior of Cu–Ti–Zr-based bulk metallic glass alloys

Microstructure fracture and mechanical properties of Cu-based bulk metallic glass alloys were investigated. Centrifugal casting into copper molds were used to manufacture basic Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni9, and modified Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni7Si1Sn1 alloys. Although the alloys show an amorphous structure, TEM images revealed the formation of nanoparticles. At room temperature compression tests reveal fracture strength of 2000 MPa, elastic modulus of 127 GPa, and 1.8% fracture strain for the unmodified basic alloy. Whereas the modified alloy exhibits a fracture strength of 2179 MPa, elastic modulus reaches 123 GPa, and 2.4% fracture strain. So, with the addition of 1 at.% Si and Sn, the fracture strength improves by 9% and the fracture strain improves by 25%, but the fracture behavior under compression conditions exhibits a conical shape similar to that produced by tensile testing of ductile alloys. A proposed fracture mechanism explaining the formation of the conical fracture surface was adopted. The formation of homogeneously distributed nano-size (2–5 nm) precipitates changes the mode of fracture of the metallic glass from single to multiple shear plane modes leading to the conical shape fracture surface morphology.