Correlation between structural relaxation and shear transformation zone volume of a bulk metallic glass

The effect of structural relaxation on shear transformation zones (STZs) in a Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8 glassy alloy is evaluated. Upon annealing, the measured STZ size dramatically decreases with moderate augment of mass density caused by the increase of icosahedra short-range orders. The greater atomic packing density gives rise to involvement of lesser atoms in the formation of STZs and thereby degradation of ductility. This study demonstrates that STZ volume is a key parameter reflecting the intrinsic relationship between atomic structure and mechanical properties of metallic glasses.