Metallic glasses (MGs) are amorphous metals that lack crystalline structure, offering unique mechanical properties such as ultrahigh strength and elasticity. Recent research has demonstrated that Zr-based MGs can achieve tensile strengths exceeding 2 GPa while maintaining elastic strains of up to 2%. These properties arise from the absence of dislocations and grain boundaries, which typically limit the performance of crystalline metals. MGs are thus promising candidates for applications in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and biomedical implants.
The tunability of MGs' mechanical properties through compositional design is a key area of study. For example, adding small amounts of Cu or Ni to Pd-based MGs can increase their fracture toughness by over 50%. This is achieved by controlling the local atomic packing density, which influences shear band formation during deformation. Such precise control enables the development of MGs tailored for specific applications, from wear-resistant coatings to flexible electronics substrates.
Recent advances in additive manufacturing have expanded the potential applications of MGs. Laser-based 3D printing techniques can now fabricate MG components with complex geometries at cooling rates exceeding 10^6 K/s, preventing crystallization during solidification. This has enabled the production of MG parts with dimensions up to several centimeters while maintaining their amorphous structure and mechanical integrity.
The thermal stability of MGs is another critical factor influencing their performance. Studies show that certain MGs retain their amorphous structure up to temperatures as high as 600°C before crystallizing into brittle phases.
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