Review of thermo-mechanical processing of metallic glasses

This review discusses the thermomechanical processing of metallic glasses and discusses recent advances in their fabrication, unique properties, and potential applications. Metallic glasses, which are obtained through the rapid cooling of alloys, exhibit exceptional strength and elasticity, making them highly promising for engineering applications. However, inherent brittleness poses some challenges. This review examines annealing techniques that enhance mechanical properties by relieving internal stresses and homogenizing shear bands. The impacts of techniques such as high-pressure torsion, laser processing, and additive manufacturing on structural and mechanical evolution are also discussed. The mechanisms driving the shear band behavior are examined, as well as their effects on thermal-mechanical properties, as well as the influence of alloy composition on glass-forming ability. Recommendations suggest combining advanced manufacturing techniques with hybrid strategies to improve these materials for use in aerospace, biomedical, and structural applications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.