Research on metallic glasses at the atomic scale: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Computational Materials Science
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Metallic glasses (MGs) possess unique properties driving extensive research.
• Computational simulations, particularly molecular dynamics, are crucial for understanding MGs' structure-property relationships.
• A significant body of literature exists on MGs, necessitating a comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of MGs research.
• To quantify literature trends, identify key contributors, and map collaboration networks.
• To trace the evolution of research topics in MGs from 2000 to 2021.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Bibliometric analysis of publications from 2000-2021.
• Analysis of article keywords, author collaborations, and geographic contributions.

Main Results:

• A remarkable increase in MG publications, with China and the USA as leading contributors.
• High-impact research predominantly from the USA.
• Strong collaboration networks among top contributing authors.
• Evolution of research topics from monolithic MGs and short-range order to complex composites, nanoglasses, and medium-range order characterizations.

Conclusions:

• The field of metallic glasses is rapidly expanding, with significant global participation.
• Scientific cooperation is vital for high-impact research in MGs.
• Research focus has shifted towards more complex MGs structures and advanced characterization techniques.