Structural changes in Zr-based bulk metallic glasses deformed by high pressure torsion

Zr(44)Ti(11)Cu(10)Ni(10)Be(25) and Zr(57)Ti(5)Cu(20)Al(10)Ni(8) bulk metallic glass disks have been subjected to severe plastic deformation by high pressure torsion Structural changes occurred during torsion straining were detected by high intensity synchrotron X-ray diffraction, modulated thermal analysis and hardness measurements. The samples show no evidence of nanocrystallization, however, they posses atomic bond length change in the amorphous state. Simultaneously, a change in the heat capacity of the deformed state is detected which is preserved above the glass transition in the supercooled liquid range (C) 2009 Elsevier B V. All rights reserved