Tensile properties of Cr inserted amorphous Co85Zr9Nb6 films deposited on polymer substrate

Amorphous Co(85)Zr(9)Nb(6) films with inserted Cr layer were deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. After the Cr layers were inserted, tensile strengths calculated from stress-strain curves were found to be enhanced; the elastic regions were shortened, while the plastic regions were extended. Surface morphology examination after strain revealed cracks oriented at an angle of about 60 degrees to the tensile direction when the Cr layer is introduced. The shear bands distribute around the cracks and rotate relative to the cracks. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.