Revealing Nanoindentation Size-Dependent Creep Behavior in a La-Based Metallic Glassy Film

We systematically studied nanoindentation size effect on creep deformation in a La-based metallic glassy film, including holding depth effect and indenter size effect. Creep displacement was mainly dependent on both holding strain and deformation volume beneath indenter. Under elastic holding, creep strain was merely holding strain-dependent. While for plastic holding, creep strain was greatly enhanced by adopting smaller indenter and/or decreasing holding depth at the same holding strain. A strong nanoindentation size effect on creep resistance was validated. Strain rate sensitivities (SRS) were calculated, which were obviously higher at elastic regions than at plastic holdings. The relationship between SRS value and creep mechanism in metallic glass was discussed.