Deformation behavior during nanoindentation in Ce-based bulk metallic glasses

The deformation behavior and the ef- fect of the loading rate on the plastic deformation in Ce-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were inves- tigated through nanoindentation tests. The results showed that the loading rate dependence of plastic deformation during nanoindentation measurements in the Ce-based BMGs is quite unique in contrast to that of other BMG alloys. The load-displacement (P-h) curves of Ce60Al15Cu10Ni15 BMG exhibit a homoge- neous plastic deformation at low loading rates, and a prominent serrated flow at high strain rates, whereas, the P-h curves of Ce65Al10Cu10Ni10Nb5 exhibit ho- mogenous plastic deformation at all studied loading rates. The room temperature creep behavior could clearly be observed in these two alloys. The mecha- nism of the unique plastic deformation feature in the Ce-based BMGs was studied.