Temperature-dependent deformation behavior of a CuZr-based bulk metallic glass composite

Highlights: • The yield strength of the BMGC shows an increasing trend from 298 K to 153 K. • The increase of the work-hardenability is attributed to martensitic transformation. • Martensitic transformation degree is higher at a lower temperature. -- Abstract: In this study, the effect of cryogenic testing temperatures on the deformation behavior of a CuZr-based bulk metallic glass composite (BMGC) has been investigated using in situ high energy X-ray diffraction. The yield strength and work-hardenability of the studied BMGC show an increasing trend from 298 K to 153 K. A higher yield strength at a lower temperature can be attributed to the larger difference in the volume shrinkage between the crystalline phase and the amorphous matrix. The increasing martensitic transformation degree of the crystalline phase from 298 K to 153 K results in the enhanced work-hardenability. These results lead to a better understanding of the temperature dependence of phase-transformation induced plasticity in CuZr-based BMGCs.