A complex multicomponent bulk metallic glass/ultrafine-nanocrystal composite fabricated under industrial-applicable condition

A complex multicomponent Zr-Ti-Y-Al-Cu-Ni-Co-Fe bulk metallic glass/ultrafine-nanocrystal composite (BMG/UNC) was successfully fabricated by steel mold casting under oxygen partial pressure of ~0.6 Pa. It is found that, well-dispersed nanocrystals with ~4 nm in size form in the glassy matrix of this BMG/UNC, leading to significant enhancement in plasticity compared to its monolithic glassy counterpart, which is possibly due to the transition from chaotic state to self-organized critical state of serration during deformation. This work provides a new route for the compositional design of high-performance BMG/UNCs that could be manufactured under industrial conditions with large-size, and would be very beneficial for further application of this series of materials.