Hardening overwhelming softening in Ti-based metallic glass composites upon cold rolling

For in-situ Ti48Zr20Nb12Cu5Be15 metallic glass matrix composites (MGMCs) upon cold rolling, the yield strength is obviously enhanced, and the plasticity instability is effectively alleviated. The increase in yield strength in such kinds of composites is due to the fact that the work hardening of dendrites overwhelms the softening of the amorphous matrix. A quantitative model of predicting yield strengths with rolling straining in MGMCs is successfully established. This provides useful guidances for structural applications of ductile MGMCs. •A quantitative model is established to predict the yield strengths for in-situ dendrite-reinforced MGMCs upon cold rolling.•Proper cold rolling not only improves the yield strength of the current MGMCs, but also relieves the plasticity instability.•The plastically deformed dendrites have reduced ability to inhibit shear band expansion due to work hardening.•The amorphous matrix would be locally softened due to the generation of shear bands.