Remarkable improving plasticity of a brittle Zr-based bulk metallic glass by a high rheological rate forming method in centesimal seconds

This study, adopting a high rheological rate forming method, has simultaneously achieved improving plasticity and efficiently forming parts for a brittle Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG). With the method executed twice only, the plasticity of the BMG part increases dramatically by about 20 times, from 0.1% up to ~2%. The enhancement of plasticity is attributed to the high microstructural heterogeneity induced by the inhomogeneous flow of supercooled liquid resulted from the high rheological rate. The forming method might provide a new pathway for conveniently forming BMG parts with high plasticity in engineering applications. [Display omitted] •A high rheological rate forming method for BMGs was proposed.•The plasticity of the formed BMG part increases dramatically by about 20 times.•The formed BMG material has a more heterogeneous microstructure.•Desired shapes and enhanced plasticity can be achieved simultaneously for BMGs.