Rapid thermoplastic formation of Fe-based metallic glass foil achieved by electropulsing

In this study Fe₇₈B₁₃Si₉ metallic glass ribbons were bent into a U-shape between a pair of copper electrodes and subjected to electropulsing for 30 s. The ribbons were permanently deformed after electropulsing and remained amorphous. The temperature of the ribbon did not have to exceed the glass transition temperature for deformation under electropulsing. By varying the electrode separation, current and pulsing frequency, the extent of permanent bending could be controlled. It was concluded that momentum transfer by electron led to enhancement of free volume motion in the sample. This is more effective than softening by conventional heating. This work revealed a faster and easier novel way of shaping metallic glasses of limited plasticity, while evading embrittlement and crystallization.