Indentation and friction of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses on nano-scale

Indentation and sliding friction of the as-cast, the relaxed and the crystallized Zr41Ti14Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 bulk metallic glass (BMG) are investigated on nano — scale by nanoindentation. The depth, the width and the morphology of the scratches formed by the tip of the nanoindentor are different, which reflect the differences in structure, not only between the glassy and the crystallized states but also between the two glassy states, the as — cast and the relaxed. The coefficient of sliding friction of Zr — based BMG is increased with increasing the load, and it is maximal for annealed at 553K. Improved plastic deformability is found for the relaxed one.