Metallic glass nanofilms

In this paper, we report for the first time the spontaneous formation of Zr-based metallic glass nanofilms by developed dynamic forced-shear-rupture technique of hat-shaped specimens. The obtained nanofilms have about 100 nm thickness and other two geometrical dimensions can reach micrometer scales. Their glassy nature and structural stability were solidly identified. It was found that electrons with the wavelength of less than 0.165 Å could make the metallic glass nanofilms transparent. Furthermore, it is clearly shown that shear-banding instability still afflicts such 100-nm-thick metallic glass nanofilms. ► Metallic glass nanofilms were fabricated by dynamic forced-shear-rupture technique. ► Electrons with the wavelength of less than 0.165 Å makes the nanofilms transparent. ► Shear-banding instability afflicts such 100-nm-thick metallic glass nanofilms.