Mechanical properties of soft magnetic (Fe_0.76Si _0.096B_0.084P_0.06)_100-xCu _x (x=0 and 0.1) bulk glassy alloys

Fe-based bulk glassy alloys (BGAs) are known to have great potential for structural applications because of their high strength and relatively low material cost. However, their brittle nature hinders further applications. We have recently developed a new ductile (Fe_0.76Si_0.096B _0.084P_0.06)_99.9CU_0.1 BGA with a strength of 3.3 GPa and a large plastic strain of about 4% in compression. A well developed vein pattern on the fracture surface and highly-dense multiple shear bands on the surface of the specimen were observed. A large number of α-Fe like clusters (<10 nm) are found to disperse in the matrix glass. These clusters possibly act as nucleation sites for the α-Fe nanocrystallization in slipping shear bands dynamically. This results in development of the multiple shear bands causing highly improved plasticity in the (Fe_0.76Si_0.096B_0.084P_0.06) _99.9CU_0.1 BGA.