Deformation Behavior of Ti48Zr18V12Cu5Be17 Semi-Solid Amorphous Composites

In the light of increasing research into amorphous composites and their applications, as-cast specimens of multicomponent Ti48Zr18V12Cu5Be17 amorphous composites were prepared via water-cooled copper mold suction casting. Subsequently, the as-cast specimens were subjected to semi-solid isothermal treatment to obtain semi-solid specimens. Taking the semi-solid specimens as the research object, room temperature compressive deformation behavior was investigated by analyzing the shear band characteristics on the side surfaces of the compressed specimens. The evolution of shear bands at various stages of plastic deformation was investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, significant work hardening was observed after yielding. Surface deformation morphologies indicate that the work-hardening behavior is associated with plastic deformation, interactions between shear bands, and interactions between shear bands and β-Ti crystals. Experiments have demonstrated that at a specific deformation extent, shear bands preferentially initiate at the crystal–amorphous matrix interface. In the final stage of plastic deformation, shear bands propagate through work-hardened β-Ti crystals into the amorphous matrix, with their propagation retarded by the β-Ti crystals. When shear bands in the amorphous matrix are obstructed by β-Ti crystals and can no longer propagate, some evolve into cracks. These cracks then propagate exponentially, leading to eventual fracturing of the specimens and termination of plastic deformation. The research findings provide a theoretical basis for analyzing the deformation capacities of various amorphous composites.