Phase transformations in Zr-based bulk metallic glass cyclically loaded before plastic yielding

The present work represents phase transformations observed upon cyclic loading of Zr _62.5Fe ₅Cu _22.5Al ₁₀ bulk metallic glassy samples within reversible deformation regime prior to plastic deformation. The structure of the samples was studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy including high-resolution imaging and analysis of selected-area electron diffraction and nanobeam diffraction patterns. Thermal properties of the samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. It is found that kinetically frozen anelastic deformation accumulates at room temperature and causes crystallization of metallic glassy phase forming precursors of metastable crystalline FCC Zr-based phase stabilized by the alloying elements.