Deformation-induced microstructural heterogeneity in monolithic Zr44Ti11Cu9.8Ni10.2Be25 bulk metallic glass

We present investigation on the development of microstructural inhomogeneity introduced by sample room temperature deformation for a typical bulk metallic glass (Zr44Ti11Cu9.8N10.2Be25). The experimental evidence (e.g., transmission electron microscopy, electron energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and density measurements) clearly supports that an inhomogeneous glassy structure can be produced during deformation in the bulk metallic glass that does not depend on a specific pinpointed chemical composition. The micrometer sized structural inhomogeneity in the monolithic bulk metallic glass originates from deformation due to the introduction of a high concentration of free volume in the glassy phase without significant change in the local chemical composition. (C) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim