Tensile deformation micromechanisms for bulk metallic glass matrix composites: From work-hardening to softening Original Research Article

A Ti-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite (BMGMC) with a homogeneous distribution of dendrites and the composition of Ti46Zr20V12Cu5Be17 is characterized by a high tensile strength of ∼1640 MPa and a large tensile strain of ∼15.5% at room temperature. The present BMGMC exhibits the largest tensile ductility and highest fracture absorption energy under the stress–strain curve of all dendrite-reinforced BMGMCs developed to date. Tensile deformation micromechanisms are explored through experimental visualization and theoretical analyses. After tension, fragmentation of the dendrites, rather than crystallization within the glass matrix and/or atom debonding near the interface of dual-phase composites, is responsible for the high tensile ductility. The subdivisions within the interior of dendrites are separated by shear bands and dense dislocation walls, and local separation of dendrites under modes I and II prevails. The multiplication of dislocations, severe lattice distortions, and even local amorphization dominate within the dendrites. Good structural coherency of the interface is demonstrated, despite being subjected to significant plastic deformation. Theoretical analyses reveal that the constitutive relations elastic–elastic, elastic–plastic, and plastic–plastic of dual-phase BMGMC generally correspond to the (1) elastic, (2) work-hardening, and (3) softening deformation stages, respectively. The capacity for work-hardening is highly dependent on the large plastic deformation of the dendrites and the high yield strength of the glass matrix. The present study provides a fundamental basis for designing work-hardening dual-phase BMGMCs exhibiting remarkably homogeneous deformation.