Bulk metallic glasses exhibit high strength and large elastic strain limit but have no tensile ductility. However, bulk metallic glass composites reinforced by in-situ dendrites possess significantly improved toughness but at the expense of high strength and large elastic strain limit. Here, we report a bulk metallic glass composite with strong strain-hardening capability and large elastic strain limit. It was found that, by plastic predeformation, the bulk metallic glass composite can exhibit both a large elastic strain limit and high strength under tension. These unique elastic mechanical properties are attributed to the reversible B2↔B19′ phase transformation and the plastic-predeformation-induced complicated stress state in the metallic glass matrix and the second phase. These findings are significant for the design and application of bulk metallic glass composites with excellent mechanical properties.

During the past decade, refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEA) have attracted great attention of scientists, engineers and scholars due to their excellent mechanical and functional properties. The W-containing RHEAs are favored by researchers because of their great application potential in aerospace, marine and nuclear equipment and other high-temperature, corrosive and irradiated fields. In this review, more than 150 W-containing RHEAs are summarized and compared. The preparation techniques, microstructure and mechanical properties of the W-containing RHEAs are systematically outlined. In addition, the functional properties of W-containing RHEAs, such as oxidation, corrosion, irradiation and wear resistance have been elaborated and analyzed. Finally, the key issues faced by the development of W-containing RHEAs in terms of design and fabrication techniques, strengthening and deformation mechanisms, and potential functional applications are proposed and discussed. Future directions for the investigation and application of W-containing RHEAs are also suggested. The present work provides useful guidance for the development, processing and application of W-containing RHEAs and the RHEA components.