Microstructure controlled shear band pattern formation and enhanced plasticity of bulk metallic glasses containing in situ formed ductile phase dendrite dispersions

Results are presented for a ductile metal reinforced bulk metallic glass ma trix composite based on glass forming compositions in the Zr-Ti-Cu-Ni-Be sy stem. Primary dendrite growth and solute partitioning in the molten state y ields a microstructure consisting of a ductile crystalline Ti-Zr-Nb beta ph ase, with bce structure, in a Zr-Ti-Nb-Cu-Ni-Be bulk metallic glass matrix. Under unconstrained mechanical loading organized sheer band patterns devel op throughout the sample. This results in a dramatic increase in the plasti c strain to failure, impact resistance, and toughness of the metallic glass .