Influence of composition on the mechanical properties of metallic nanoglasses: Insights from molecular dynamics simulation

• Published in: Journal of applied physics 2020-10, Vol.128 (16)
• Main Authors: Ma, J. L., Song, H. Y., Wang, J. Y., Dai, J. L., Li, Y. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amorphous materials; Applied physics; Composition effects; Copper; Deformation effects; Deformation mechanisms; Edge dislocations; Loads (forces); Mechanical properties; Metallic glasses; Molecular dynamics; Necking; Nucleation; Plastic deformation; Plastic properties; Shear bands
• ISSN: 0021-8979; 1089-7550
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0020999

The introduction of a glass–glass interface is an effective way to improve the plasticity of metallic glass. However, the strength–plasticity trade-off has not still been effectively overcome. Here, the effect of the composition on the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of the CuZr nanoglass (NG) is investigated under tensile loading by a molecular dynamics simulation. The results indicate that high-performance NGs can be obtained by adjusting the percentage of Cu atoms. There is a critical Cu content (i.e., 75%), which makes the NGs have both high strength and high plasticity. The results show that with the increase in the Cu content, the deformation mechanism of the NGs changes from necking to uniform plastic deformation and then to the nucleation and the growth of the main shear band. Our results underscore the importance of the composition in the design and preparation of high-performance metallic glass.