Softening and hardening on a Zr-based bulk metallic glass induced by nanosecond laser surface melting

The study reported here confirms that laser surface melting (LSM) can be employed to modify the hardness and shear banding behaviour of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). More specifically, by conducting LSM operations on Zr-based Vitreloy 105 BMG in ambient atmosphere using a nanosecond laser, it was found hardening achieved, addition well-known softening effect. Besides, presence compressive residual stress an increased introduction crystalline precipitates accompanied LSM-induced hardening. On contrary, tensile reduced fraction were observed for softened post-LSM. Finally, differences shear-banding mechanisms detected near irradiated regions. overall serrated flow but important bands events following LSM-based stress. In contrast, more pronounced flows likely distribution activity well beneath promoted when resulted