Impact of local nanocrystallization on mechanical properties in the Zr-59 at.% Cu metallic glass thin film

Abstract Zr-59 at.% Cu glassy film was deposited by co-magnetron sputtering using pure metal targets. The film exhibits an XRD-amorphous structure and smooth surface morphology. Isothermal annealing at 370 °C, for 30 and 60 min, modify the local structural ordering and promote nucleation of Cu 10 Zr 7 nanocrystalline-like domains as confirmed by TEM analysis. The mechanical properties of the film are far higher than those of pure metals, and are still improved after nanocrystallization.