As-cast Specimens Research Articles

Microstructure evolution of AlSi10Mg alloy in RAP process

Abstract With its computer-aided layer-by-layer production approach, additive manufacturing (AM) and powder bed laser fusion (PBLF) paved the way to produce metallic parts more precisely than any other manufacturing technique. However, the combinability and the interaction of this relatively new manufacturing technique with the other near-net shape production techniques is still a mystery. In this study, the recrystallization and partial melting (RAP) behavior, which is a feedstock production approach for semisolid forming methods, investigated on AlSi10Mg parts produced by PBLF and conventional casting were compared in terms of microstructural and hardness evaluations. After the reheating process, the globalization of Si particles and the breakdown of the Si network around the melt pools were displayed with light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The hardness values of the PBLF as-fabricated specimens were found to be significantly higher than the as-cast specimens; however, the values were almost equaled after the RAP treatment and even got lower on the bottom and top regions of the PBLF samples after 20 min of reheating because of the enlarged shrinkage porosities and the coarsened morphology.

Study on the investigation of creep behaviour in squeeze cast Ca-modified AZ91 magnesium alloy

ABSTRACT The AZ91 (Mg-Al) alloy is the most commonly used Mg-cast alloy with high specific strength and excellent die-castability; however, its poor creep performance limits its applications at elevated temperatures. In the present investigation, the effect of Ca addition on the microstructure development and creep performance of squeeze-cast AZ91 alloy recognised as AZX911 alloy has been investigated at 150°C–250°C temperature under 65 and 80 MPa stress. The addition of Ca in the AZ91 alloy results in the precipitation of the thermally stable Al2Ca intermetallic phase, which partially suppresses the precipitation of the thermally unstable β-Mg17Al12 phase and significantly improves the creep resistance of the AZ91 Mg alloy. The governing creep mechanism of AZX911 alloy is found to follow power law creep with n = 3.49 at 150°C that mainly results from dislocation climb. In contrast, a transition to power-law breakdown is observed at 175°C. The resistance to creep deformation of AZX911 further improves with heat treatment at 450°C as compared to the as-cast specimen of the same alloy due to the complete dissolution of the β-Mg17Al12 phase. The activation energy of phase dissolution, estimated using the Kissinger method, is found to be higher (923 kJ/mol) for the Al2Ca intermetallic phase as compared to that for β-Mg17Al12 phase (664 kJ/mol) in AZX911 alloy.

Tribo-technological features of laser powder bed fusion process: scratch and wear resistance of AlSi10Mg aluminium alloy

Mechanical systems, regardless of their complexity, very often require that different parts must move relative to each other by sliding their surfaces, therefore appropriate tribological properties are needed. This request appears particularly evident for components fabricated through Metal Additive Manufacturing processes, due to their typical high surface roughness. In the current study, the Laser Powder Bed Fusion technique with optimized parameters is used to produce samples made of AlSi10Mg alloy. Their tribo-technological properties are investigated through progressive load scratch and dry ball-on-plate wear tests. Along with a global characterization, a local analysis has been performed to identify any variations induced by the building direction. The friction coefficient and the wear rate are generally higher than as-cast specimens. Finally, local trends suggest that the central parts of the samples average offer higher resistance to wear and scratch than the outer areas.

Tribological behavior and surface characteristics of severe surface plastic deformed as-cast and 3D-printed SS316L using LSP

The effect of laser shock peening (LSP) on as-cast and three-dimensional (3D)-printed SS316L alloys was studied. The LSP process was found more dominant than the 3D-printing technique over as-cast alloy steel for enhancing the properties. The process of laser shock peening results in microlevel changes in the structure of the material. This, in turn, leads to grain refinement and the increase of compressive residual stresses. After LSP treatment, the surface microhardness value increased by 33% in both as-cast and 3D-printed SS316L alloys with the hardness gradient from surface to subsurfaces. The wear rate of as-cast specimens and 3D-printed specimens were reduced to 1.28 10−6 and 1.14 10−6 g/m, respectively, and tensile value increased up to 22% after LSP treatment. The scanning electron microscopy images on the wear track confirm the vulnerability of the untreated SS316L alloys with adhesion wear and surface delamination. This difference was because the wear rate of the 3D-printed specimens was lesser than the as-cast SS316L alloys due to their layer-by-layer high-temperature finishing. The samples were characterized by optical microstructure to identify the surface refinement, and confirmed by the transmission electron microscope images along with specified area electron diffraction pattern for the accumulation of dislocation and grain refinement after LSP treatment. The accumulated residual stress was measured by X-ray diffraction technique and it found the highest compressive residual stress after LSP treatment was accrued by 3D-printed SS316L alloy with 310 MPa.

In-Situ EBSD investigation of how annealed twins produce excellent strength-ductility synergy in Al0.25FeCoNiV duplex high-entropy alloy

The development of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) has been historically constrained by trade-off between strength and ductility. In this study, the Al0.25FeCoNiV duplex HEA showed a yield strength of 625 ± 35.2 MPa and a fracture elongation of 48 ± 1.5 % after rolling and annealing. These values are 43 % and 60 % higher, respectively, than the as-cast specimens, demonstrating an excellent synergy between strength and ductility. Through in-situ electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) tensile experiments and transmission electron microscopy characterization of the as-cast and annealed specimens, respectively, it is found that the superior mechanical properties of the annealed specimens are primarily attributable to the multilevel strengthening and strain-hardening coupling mechanism established by the synergistic action of phase boundaries (PBs), twin boundaries (TBs), and high-angle grain boundaries. This mechanism effectively suppresses strain localization and prevents premature fracture caused by local stress concentration at PBs. The strengthening mechanism of TBs on the mechanical properties of HEAs was investigated by examining the interaction mechanisms between annealed TBs and dislocations, as well as the coordinated plastic deformation mechanism of twins. This study provides novel insights into the development of innovative HEAs with enhanced properties and advances the understanding of the role of TBs in the strengthening mechanisms of materials.

Effects of Fe addition on the mechanical and corrosive properties of biomedical Co-Cr-W-Ni alloys for balloon-expandable stents

Co-20Cr-15W-10Ni (mass%, CCWN) alloy is extensively used as a platform material for balloon-expandable stents. In this study, the mechanical properties of CCWN alloy are improved following the addition of Fe, and the effects of Fe addition on the mechanical and corrosive properties of the alloy are investigated. As-cast specimens were fabricated by adding pure Fe to a commercially available CCWN alloy (base alloy) such that the resulting alloys contained 4, 6, and 8 mass% Fe. The as-cast specimens were subjected to homogenization heat treatment at 1523 K for 7.2 ks and then hot-forged at 1473 K (as-forged specimens). The as-forged specimens were cold-rolled at a reduction rate of 30% and heat-treated at 1473 K for 300 s (recrystallized specimens). The matrix of the recrystallized base- and Fe-containing alloys consisted of a single γ (face-centered cubic)-phase. The Fe-added alloys revealed precipitates composed of the η-phase (M6X-M12X-type phase, M: metallic element, X: C and/or N). The average grain size of the recrystallized base and Fe-added alloy specimens was approximately 34 μm and the amount of added Fe had no significant effect on the static recrystallization behavior of the resulting alloys. Alloys containing 6 mass% or more Fe showed improvements in strength and ductility compared with the base alloy. When the Fe-added alloys were compared, their strength decreased whereas their ductility increased when the added Fe increased. Because Fe acts as a γ-phase-stabilizing element for Co, Fe addition increases the stacking fault energy of the base alloy, resulting in the formation of the ε (hexagonal close-packed)-phase owing to the suppression of strain-induced martensitic transformation (SIMT), and improvements in ductility. No deterioration in corrosion resistance was observed following the addition of up to 8 mass% Fe to the base alloy. Based on these results, the addition of Fe to CCWN alloy may be considered an effective method to improve its mechanical properties, especially ductility, without impairing its corrosion resistance. The results of this study will be useful for the future development of Ni-free Co-Cr alloys for next-generation, small-diameter stents.

Differences in microstructure and properties of Ti-based amorphous composites between recrystallization and partial remelting and semi-solid isothermal treatment

The as-cast specimens of Ti48Zr18V12Cu5Be17 amorphous composites were prepared by copper mold suction casting. Next, the as-cast specimens were treated using semi-solid isothermal treatment (SSIT) and recrystallization and partial remelting (RAP). The effects of SSIT and RAP on the microstructure and plasticity were analyzed. The results showed that the microstructure changed from fine crystals in the as-cast specimens to coarse bar crystals and near-spherical crystals in the SSIT and RAP specimens, respectively. The crystals of RAP specimens were finer and rounder than those of SSIT specimens due to recrystallization. In addition, the RAP specimens had high plasticity (20.93%), which is 428.5% and 45.2% higher than the as-cast and SSIT specimens, respectively. By observing the shear bands of the fractured specimens, it was found that the expansion of shear bands could not be impeded by the fine β-Ti crystals in the as-cast specimens, leading to an infinite extension that induces brittle fracture in the specimens. The essential cause of the poor plasticity of the as-cast specimens was revealed. In addition, the coarse β-Ti crystals effectively blocked the shear band expansion in the SSIT specimens, and a large number of shear bands were generated in these crystals. In contrast, the crystals of the RAP specimens had a greater number and density of shear bands compared to those of the SSIT specimens, and these shear bands intersected with each other in different directions. This revealed the mechanism by which the SSIT and RAP methods enhance the plasticity of amorphous composites.

Effect of hot rolling process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a high-strength strip casting microalloyed steel

A novel Nb–V–Mo microalloyed steel with 1 GPa yield strength and high ductility was developed by strip casting. The effects of hot rolling on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Nb–V–Mo microalloyed steel were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and tensile tests. Both the as-cast and hot-rolled specimens exhibit a microstructure characterized by lath-like bainite and (Nb, V, Mo)C clusters, while the bainite lath was refined after hot rolling. Tensile test results show obvious improvements in the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the hot-rolled specimen (1008 MPa, 1075 MPa, 20.1 %, respectively), compared to that of the as-cast ones (879 MPa, 978 MPa, 19.0 %, respectively). Additionally, the hot-rolled specimen displays a similar dislocation multiplication and storage capacity to the as-cast specimen, resulting in a comparable work-hardening capability during plastic deformation.

Corrosion properties of submerged friction stir modified as-cast nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB) compositions

This study aimed to analyze the effects of adding alloying elements and cooling medium during friction stirring on the electrochemical and immersion corrosion properties. The results showed that the addition of nickel and iron prevented the formation of an unfavorable phase γ2 and instead produced intermetallic compounds κ in the microstructure. Friction stir processing (FSP) helped refine and homogenize the coarse and inhomogeneous structure of the casting, and also eliminated casting defects, whether performed in air or underwater conditions. The polarization and electrochemical impedance tests revealed that, in most cases, FSP led to a decrease in electrochemical and short-term corrosion behaviors as compared to the as-cast specimens, under the impact of alloy composition and active cooling. However, the weight loss immersion tests indicated that the friction stir processed alloys, particularly those processed underwater, demonstrated the best long-term corrosion properties. It was observed that the corrosion product film created on all models after immersion had a similar composition.

Phase Transformations after Heat Treating an As-Cast Fe-30Mn-8.8Al-0.3Si-0.15C Steel

The phase transformations in an as-cast Fe-30Mn-8.8Al-0.3Si-0.15C steel were analyzed experimentally and numerically with a Calphad-based method during heat treatment. The nonequilibrium phases were determined using the Thermo-Calc Scheil module and the equilibrium phases with Themo-Calc based on the steel chemical composition. The precipitated phases were analyzed with TC-PRISMA using the chemical composition, nucleation site, and temperature among other factors. An ingot of this chemical composition was vacuum-melted using pure elements under an Ar gas atmosphere. As-cast steel specimens were annealed and solution-treated, quenched, and then aged at different temperatures. Heat-treated specimens were analyzed by different techniques. The results indicated that the microconstituents are the α and γ phases for the as-cast, homogenized, and quenched conditions. The main difference among these conditions is the distribution and size of the γ phase, which produced a change in hardness from 209 to 259 VHN. In contrast, the aging treatment at 750 °C caused a decrease in hardness from 492 to 306 VHN, which is attributable to the increase in volume fraction of the γ phase. On the other hand, the aging treatment at 550 °C promoted precipitation hardening from 259 to 649 VHN because of the κ precipitate formation. The calculated results for the different heat treatments with the Calphad-based method agreed well with the experimental ones. In addition, the intragranular precipitation of the κ phase could be simulated using the nucleation and growth and coarsening mechanisms based on a Calphad method.

The effect of various treatment parameters in duplex plasma nitrided and diamond-like carbon coating on high-cycle fatigue and fretting fatigue lifetimes of piston pin 16MnCr5 steel

This paper investigates the impact of duplex plasma nitriding and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings on the pure fatigue and fretting fatigue properties of 16MnCr5 steel extracted from industrial piston pins used in combustion engines. Two different nitriding and DLC coating processes were performed: "DLC-A" and "DLC-B". The Raman spectrometry and microhardness tests were utilized to evaluate the formation of DLC coating on the sample. Subsequently, the pure and fretting fatigue tests (at 350 MPa and under 100 Hz of the frequency) were performed on as-cast and DLC-coated specimens to obtain the effect of coatings on the fatigue behaviors of the 16MnCr5 steel. Finally, the formation of the DLC layer and the fracture mechanisms were also briefly investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Then, the obtained results demonstrated that DLC coating ("DLC-B") increased the fatigue lifetime of 16MnCr5 steel by 47.7 % and 85.3 % in pure and fretting fatigue conditions, respectively. This layer can improve the surface properties of engineering materials and components, which can enhance the fatigue lifetime by increasing microhardness and compressive residual stress, reducing wear and friction, and improving adhesion between the substrate and coating. However, due to the white layer, the “DLC-A” improperly enhanced the material performance.

New insights into the stress rupture life enhancement mechanisms of a nickel-based superalloy

In this paper, the effects of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and heat treatment (HT) on the stress rupture properties of nickel-based superalloy K417G were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to analyze the microstructure, fracture morphology, determination of crack source and dislocation evolution after stress rupture fracture. The results indicate that, HIP specimens demonstrate a 19.5% reduction in stress rupture life compared to as-cast specimens, whereas HIP + HT specimens exhibit a 41% increase in stress rupture life, reaching a value of 63.04 h. The fracture mechanism of the samples under different heat treatment conditions is different. There are a large number of pores in the as-cast specimen, which leads to the initiation and propagation of cracks and eventually result in fracture. The pores in the HIP specimen are almost eliminated. However, the coarsening and uneven distribution of γ′ phase led to the weakening of the hindrance to dislocation movement. Additionally, the increase in elongated carbides at grain boundaries accelerates crack initiation and propagation. Under HIP and HT, the cubic γ′ phase is uniformly precipitated, which effectively hinders the movement of dislocation lines. Granular M23C6 carbides precipitate at grain boundaries, acting as pinning points to retard grain boundary sliding and crack propagation, thus improving the stress rupture life.

Phase-field approach assisted solution heat treatment efficient design for novel multicomponent Co-based superalloys

Fast homogenization without incipient melting is the key to designing solution heat treatment (SHT) process for single crystal superalloys. In this paper, a multicomponent phase-field model coupled with solidus temperature is developed for dynamically tracking incipient melting temperature, TIM, of alloy during SHT. The simulation process runs completely automatically only by inputting the composition information of as-cast specimen. Based on the obtained TIM-time profile, the holding temperature and the time of SHT are determined. Applying this approach to Co–30Ni–11Al–4W–1Ta–4Ti–5Cr single crystal specimen, a gradual increased TIM from 1247 °C to 1293 °C within 72,000 s is obtained, and thus a stepwise SHT process with a short time of less than 20 h is designed. The experimental verification shows that after SHT, the segregation coefficient of the slowest diffusing element W decreased from more than 2 to 1.065, the content of harmful secondary phase has decreased to below 0.1%, and no incipient melting occurs.

The effect of Cu–8%P master alloy, SIMA process, thixoforming, and heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–20%Mg2Si composite

In the present research, the effect of thixoforming and age-hardening heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of un-modified and modified Al–20%Mg2Si composites produced through the strain-induced melt activation (SIMA) process has been investigated. This method showed promising potential for manufacturing the ideal microstructure, achieving globular grains, and enhancing mechanical properties. Quantitative analysis has revealed that adjusting the semi-solid heat treatment parameters to a temperature of 570 °C and a holding time of 25 min optimizes the globular α-Al grains and Mg2Si particles, achieving the size of 20.62 μm and 66.71 μm and the shape factor of 0.81 and 0.83 for Mg2Si particles and α-Al grains, respectively. The yield strength of the modified Al–20%Mg2Si composite increased by 23.67% and the ultimate tensile strength increased by 21.20%, compared to the un-modified specimen. Both composites underwent the thixoforming process, illustrating the ultimate tensile strength and elongation of 93.68 MPa and 4.32% for the original composite and 138.86 MPa and 7.29% for the modified composite. The modified Al–20%Mg2Si composite was subjected to the effective combination of thixoforming and age-hardening. According to the tensile test results, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and toughness raised by 138.72%, 140.92%, 267.70%, and 471.12%, respectively, compared to the as-cast specimen. Moreover, its impressive hardness of 125.1HB contributes to its overall performance.

A Study of a Cryogenic CuAlMn Shape Memory Alloy

In extreme temperature environments, a newly emerging engineering application involves both the active and passive control of structures using cryogenic shape memory alloys, which are smart materials able to recover high deformation below the freezing point. With the objective of carrying out new advances in this area, the present work aims to investigate the Cu-7.5Al-13.5Mn (wt.%) shape memory alloy. Thermal, microstructural, and thermomechanical analyses of as-cast and hot-rolled specimens were performed, taking into account the effects of annealing and solubilization. It was observed that the phase transition occurs at temperatures below 120 K and changes according to the thermo-mechanical path. Specifically, hot-rolling lowers the phase transition temperature range with respect to the as-cast condition–from 34 K to 23 K for Mf, and from 89 K to 80 K for Af. Additionally, when the annealing temperature rises, the phase transformation temperature increases as well, and the alloy loses its cryogenic features when heat treated above 473 K. Finally, loss factors of 0.06 and 0.088, which were respectively found in dynamic and static settings, validate the material’s good damping response.

Mechanical Integrity and In vitro Degradation Behavior of Mg–Zn–Ca Biodegradable Alloy Prepared by Different Casting Technologies

Mg–Zn–Ca alloys have been widely used as biodegradable orthopedic and cardiovascular scaffolds because of their non-cytotoxicity, remarkable biodegradability, good biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties similar to human bone. However, degradation causes poor corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. In this study, Mg-6%Zn-0.6%Ca alloys were produced using three distinct methodologies: casting, casting via the ultrasonic vibration process (USV), and casting via the mechanical vibration process (MV). Surface characterization, mechanical characteristics and corrosion resistance of the as-cast (untreated) and treated species were studied. The morphology and microstructure showed that the grain size of the as-cast, MV and USV specimens all had average grain sizes of about 191, 93 and 82 µm, respectively. The ultrasonic vibration treated specimen has the greatest degree of grain refinement. Mechanical tests showed that microstructure refinement promotes the mechanical characteristics of Mg alloy, such as compression, ultimate tensile strength as well as elongation. It was observed that the USV-treated sample has exceptional mechanical properties (Compressive strength 360.64 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) 178.41 MPa and Elongation 3.45%). Corrosion tests revealed that the USV-treated specimen exhibited uniform corrosion and low corrosion rate due to uniform compact fine grains with higher oxide concentration of about 42.82 wt%. The results of electrochemical analyses revealed that the average corrosion rate obtained from Potentiodynamic polarization curves of the as-cast, MV and USV specimens was about 5.3144, 4.5311 and 4.1087 mm/year, respectively and the passive film resistance (Rf) that was obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) model of the USV, MV-treated samples and as-cast sample was 457 Ω, 430 Ω and 204 Ω, respectively. The results of immersion tests revealed that the USV-treated sample lost less weight and exhibits a relatively low degradation rate than the as-cast and MV-treated samples. After two weeks the weight of the as-cast, MV and USV samples decreased by about 18.6%, 18.5%, 16.8%., and the degradation rates were 7.304, 7.097 and 6.78 mm/y, respectively, and then gradually declining over the course of the immersion period.

Microstructural, hardness, and wear properties of Mg2Si-reinforced Al matrix in-situ composites produced by low superheat casting

In this study, Mg2Si-reinforced A356 and A413 aluminum matrix composites were fabricated by low superheat casting using AM50 magnesium alloy as a source for the in-situ formation of Mg2Si particles. AM50 was added to each Al alloy at 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % ratios, respectively. Casting temperatures for these composites were 650 °C for A356 and 620 °C for A413. After the production, the as-cast samples were reheated to 580 °C and quenched. The microstructure and hardness properties of both as-cast and reheated samples were investigated and wear tests were carried out on the as-cast specimens. As the AM50 ratio increased, the morphology of Mg2Si became finer, and polygonal primary particles were precipitated in the A356 and A413 matrix as-cast composites. The formation of in-situ Mg2Si particles improved the hardness of the composites by up to 47 %. The hardness values reached 94 and 93 HB in the A356–5 and A413–15 specimens, respectively. Besides, wear rates were decreased by up to 55 % in the Mg2Si-reinforced composites compared to the unreinforced alloys.

Crevice Corrosion Initiation and Growth of Die-Cast ADC12 Aluminum Alloy

Die-cast ADC12 (Al-3Cu-10Si) aluminum alloy is widely used because of mechanical properties and castability. In atmospheric environments, crevice corrosion sometimes occurs on ADC12; therefore, improvement of corrosion resistance and elucidation of corrosion mechanisms are needed.As-cast specimens of ADC12 were used in this study. Pure Al sheets were used for comparison. The microstructure of ADC12 was composed of α-Al and Al-Si eutectic phases. Intermetallic particles (IMPs) containing Cu existed. IMPs containing Fe also existed. The size of IMPs was around 1 μm.Crevice was made between a polycarbonate nut and bolt, and immersion test was performed in 0.1 M NaCl. After immersion, the dissolution of α-Al was observed inside the crevice. To ascertain the effect of pH on α-Al phase dissolution, immersion test was carried out in 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M NaCl (pH 10.0) In 0.1 M HCl, α-Al dissolved, and the corrosion morphology was similar to that inside the crevice.

Experimental Investigation on Machinability of α/β Titanium Alloys with Different Microstructures.

In the current study, Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) and Ti-6Al-7Nb (Ti67) alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting. The produced samples were then subjected to different heat treatment regimes. The evolved microstructures and their corresponding hardness were investigated. Computerized drilling tests using TiAlN-coated high-speed steel bits were performed to assess the machinability of the prepared specimen regarding cutting force, tool wear, and thickness of the deformed layer. It was observed that Ti64 specimens that were water quenched from either α/β or β range contained martensitic phase. In Ti67, samples showed martensite only when water quenched from the β-phase range (1070 °C). Formation of martensite resulted in higher hardness and hence led to higher cutting forces and increased tool wear during the drilling process. Machined samples with higher hardness formed a thicker subsurface deformation area (white layer) and increased burr heights. Surface roughness in Ti64 workpieces was generally higher compared to Ti67 specimens. The coat of the drilling bit was partially attacked in the as-cast specimens, which was evident by elemental N on the machining chips. The machining tool deteriorated further by increasing the workpiece hardness through martensitic formation, where elements such as Cr, V, Fe, etc. that came from the tool steel were detected.

Effect of laser shock peening on the plasticity of Zr-based metallic glass under compression

The surface of Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 BMG was modified in this study using LSP to enhance its compressive mechanical properties.The microstructures and thermal properties of the as-cast and laser-peened specimens were characterized using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The results indicated that crystallization did not occur in the laser-peened area. Compared to the as-cast metallic glass, the LSP-treated specimen had a higher free volume. The LSP-treated specimen, as compared to the as-cast specimen with a slight plastic strain of 8.1 % prior to final fracture, exhibited an improved compressive plastic strain of 18.8 %. Based on results of the hardness tests, a significant change in microhardness was observed in the specimen after the LSP treatment. The improved plasticity and decreased hardness of the laser-peened specimen were due to the excess free volume in the laser treated surface zone. Scanning electron microscopy observations of the fracture surfaces revealed that the LSP-treated specimen formed multiple shear bands and highly dense vein-like patterns. This study provides a novel method for increasing the plasticity of metallic glasses to promote their industrial application.