LAUSR

Abstract The design of highly processable metallic glass matrix composites (MGMCs) is driven by optimizing the mechanical properties such as strength and ductility. In this work, by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scan electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and compressive testing, we reported that the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-based MGMCs can be tuned by a minor addition of Sn. The results revealed a critical content for Sn (i.e., 3 at.%), below which (i.e., 1 at.%-3 at.%), the MGMCs can be strengthened without losing their plasticity. While excessive addition of Sn (i.e., 4 at.%-5 at.%) would degrade severely the plasticity of MGMCs. The Sn element which mainly distributes in the dendrite-phase was found to affect significantly the intrinsic properties of the β-Ti dendrite-phase and should account for the variation of the yield strength and plasticity of MGMCs. Thus, the competing effect between dendrite-phase and glass-matrix in plastic deformation has been discussed in detail. The current work provides further insights to develop MGMCs with enhanced yield strength and graceful plasticity through optimal element addition.