Compressive ductility and fracture resistance in CuZr-based shape-memory metallic-glass composites

The uniaxial compression behavior of Cu51.5Zr48.5 shape-memory metallic-glass composites was systematically studied, from the perspective of discerning the salient micro-mechanisms controlling their deformation and fracture. Microstructurally, it was found that the particle size and volume fraction of CuZr precipitates formed in these glasses were highly sensitive to cooling rate and casting environment. Plastic flow was induced by a martensitic transformation of the CuZr particles in these materials, with additional contributions to their inelasticity arising from microcracking and crack deflection, which further served to promote ductility and resist fracture.