Contributions of atomic diffusion and plastic deformation to the plasma surface activation assisted diffusion bonding of zirconium-based bulk metallic glass

A mathematical model was established to estimate the contributions of atomic diffusion and plastic deformation to the diffusion bonding of zirconium-based bulk metallic glasses. Additionally, the surface state was introduced into the model since oxide film is the main barrier to atomic bonding across interface. The model calculation displayed that the contribution of plastic deformation to void closure was six orders of magnitude higher than atomic diffusion. The joints with ion etching before bonding were achieved to verify the model. The experimental strength of joints had a sound fit with the theoretical strength calculated by the model.