Effect of annealing on microstructure and mechanical property of a Ti–Zr–Cu–Pd bulk metallic glass

The crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 bulk metallic glass were investigated. Nano-composites consisting of glassy matrix are formed in the alloys annealed at 693 and 723 K. After annealing at 823 K, the residual glass is completely crystallized. High yield strength of over 2100 MPa and distinct plastic strain of 0.8% are obtained in the nano-composite alloy annealed at 693 K. The compressive strength decreases for the alloys annealed at higher temperatures of 723 and 823 K, accompanying with the progress of crystallization. The alloy rods both in as-cast and annealed (at 693 K for 10 min) states show the fracture surfaces consisting of vein pattern. On the other hand, the fracture morphology of the alloys annealed at 723 and 823 K changes to brittle character with flat facets.