Deformation characteristic of a Ti-based bulk metallic glass composite with fine microstructure

A bulk metallic glass composite (BMGC) with a composition of Ti65.6Cu13.2Pd5.6Sn3.6Nb12 was prepared via suction casting. Microstructure mainly consisting of fine β-Ti dendrites sized about 5 µm and nano-scale interdendritic glassy matrix was obtained in the BMGC. The mechanical behavior was compared with that of the same alloy in a polycrystalline state under compressive and bending conditions. It was found that the nano-scale glassy matrix with limited volume fraction remarkably increased the yield strength of the BMGC, furthermore, plastic deformability of the corresponding polycrystalline alloy could be preserve by the BMGC. Upon loading, the nano-scale glassy matrix could exert a strong restriction effect on the slip deformation inside the micron-scale dendritic crystals; no obvious shear-banding was exhibited in the glassy matrix during the deformation. This deformation characteristic might be attributed to the possible homogeneous deformation mode of the glassy matrix at the nano-scale.