Rapid screening the mechanical properties of ZrNi-based metallic glasses by high-throughput combinatorial approach

Rapid and massive screening approaches of new materials with good mechanical properties are of great importance for fundamental research and practical applications of structural materials. Here, one experimental combinatorial approach based on high-throughput sample preparation combined with nanoindentation platform and EDS mapping is proposed to fast screen the mechanical properties of ZrNi-based metallic glasses. A composition gradient film for Zr–Ni–Cu–Al system were prepared by magnetron sputtering method and the compositions were mapped by EDS. Various mechanical properties including the elastic modulus, hardness, strength and plastic deformation ability were fast characterized by nanoindentation. The composition ranges with the optimal individual and comprehensive mechanical properties were separately identified. To verify the above fast-screen approach, the tensile tests and Vickers hardness measurement were conducted on the bulk samples with the same compositions of the screened optimal systems. Our approach will speed up the development of novel metallic glasses with good mechanical properties. • One approach to fast screen mechanical properties of metallic glasses is proposed. • Various mechanical properties are fast characterized based on nanoindentation. • Composition ranges with optimal mechanical properties are identified. • Macroscopic mechanical tests are conducted to verify the proposed approach.