The mechanical properties of a nanoglass/metallic glass/nanoglass sandwich structure

The mechanical properties of a sandwich architecture composed of Cu ₅₀Zr₅₀ nanoglass (NG)/Cu₅₀Zr₅₀ metallic glass (MG)/Cu₅₀Zr₅₀ NG are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The plastic deformation along the glass-glass interfaces in NG layers and the compressive residual stress in the MG layer provide the enhanced ductility, manifested as improved strain localization and delayed shear band formation; meanwhile the strength remains high in the MG layer. We provide routes to obtain strong, ductile MGs and to protect MGs by NG surface coating.