Strength of submicrometer diameter pillars of metallic glasses investigated with in situ transmission electron microscopy

摘要

We have fabricated microano-pillars of two metallic glasses (MGs), Cu-based Cu_(47)Ti_(33)Zr_(11)Ni_6Sn_2Si_1 and Zr-based Zr_(50)Ti_(16.5)Cu_(15)Ni_(18.5), respectively, with pillar tip diameters ranging from approx 650 to approx 90nm. These pillars were mechanically tested in situ in transmission electron microscopy as a function of pillar diameters. It turns out that the yield strengths of both MGs are close to those of the bulk glasses and are essentially size independent. Statistical physics description of strength for small size metallic glass is discussed.