Relating structural heterogeneity to β relaxation processes in metallic glasses. Issue 8 (3rd August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, D. P.; Qiao, J. C.; Liu, C. T.
• Is Part Of: Materials research letters. Volume 7:Issue 8(2019)
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2019-08-03
• Subjects: Metallic glasses -- β relaxation -- structural heterogeneity -- atomic force microscope; Materials science -- Research -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research; Composite materials -- Research; Materials science -- Research; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1080/21663831.2019.1604441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2166-3831

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The β relaxation is a crucial feature in metallic glasses (MGs). However, its structural origin is not fully elucidated. Using a contact resonance atomic force microscope, we investigated the local structural heterogeneity of MGs and its correlation with β relaxations. It was found that MGs have various degrees of the heterogeneity, resulting in different intensities of β relaxations. Local zones with a prominent heterogeneity lead to a broad energy state distribution and more pronounced β relaxation. Our results provide a direct experimental evidence to clarify the mechanism of the β relaxations, suggesting a guideline for controlling β relaxations of MGs. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: IMPACT STATEMENT: The structural origin of β relaxations is correlated with structural heterogeneity in metallic glasses. The zones with prominent structural heterogeneity cause a broad energy state distribution and pronounced β relaxations.