Interface dominated deformation transition from inhomogeneous to apparent homogeneous mode in amorphous/amorphous nanolaminates

• Published in: Journal of materials science & technology Vol. 99; pp. 178 - 183
• Main Authors: Chen, Z.Q., Li, M.C., Cao, J.S., Li, F.C., Guo, S.W., Sun, B.A., Ke, H.B., Wang, W.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 10.02.2022
• Subjects: Amorphous alloys; Hardness; Interface; Nanolaminates; Shear bands; Amorphous alloys; Nanolaminates; Hardness; Shear bands; Interface
• ISSN: 1005-0302; 1941-1162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2021.04.073

•A length-scale-dependent mechanical properties were observed in the A/ANLs.•The hardness of A/ANLs was closely related with their deformation mode.•The deformation mode of A/ANLs was determined by the interface. The amorphous/amorphous nanolaminates (A/ANLs) have aroused great attentions owing to their tunable structure and enhanced mechanical properties. However, the plastic deformation mechanism of A/ANLs have yet been clarified. Here, we systematically examined the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of series of NiNb/ZrCuNiAl A/ANLs via nanoindentaion test. It was found that both the amount and morphology of amorphous/amorphous interface (A/AIs) played crucial roles in the plastic deformation of A/ANLs. Less and straighter A/AIs facilitated multiple shear banding deformation, of which the hardness increased with decreasing layer thickness, as the A/AIs hindered the propagation of shear bands (SBs). Whilst, more and wavier A/AIs promoted homogeneous deformation, of which the hardness stayed at a much lower value and was relatively irrelevant with the layer thickness, for the promoted activation of shear transformation zones by A/AIs. Our results provide guidance for modifying the mechanical properties of amorphous alloys with interface engineering design. [Display omitted]