On the deformation and fracture behaviour of a Zr-based glassy alloy

The deformation behaviour of Zr₆₀Cu₁₆Ni ₁₄Al₁₀ glassy alloy was found to exhibit cleavage-like fracture relief paired with typical vein patterns. The mirror-like cleavage area fraction is found to be comparable with that of vein areas. These two types of patterns alternate on the fracture surface in a direction normal to shear deformation. The structure of the studied alloy was characterised by X-ray diffractometry and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A small volume fraction of crystals in the form of eutectic colonies were found here and there in the specimen. No distinct difference in the glassy structure of the cleavage-like fracture areas and the areas corresponding to vein patterns was found within the resolution of experimental techniques employed.