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Model for decomposition and nanocrystallization of deeply undercooled Zr{sub 41.2}Ti{sub 13.8}Cu{sub 12.5}Ni{sub 10}Be{sub 22.5}

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.126657· OSTI ID:20216506
 [1];  [1]
  1. W. M. Keck Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125 (United States)

From in situ small-angle neutron scattering performed at temperatures in the undercooled liquid regime, we derive a model for the crystallization pathway of Zr{sub 41.2}Ti{sub 13.8}Cu{sub 12.5}Ni{sub 10}Be{sub 22.5} (Vit1). Vit1 first decomposes on the nanometer scale, increasing drastically the nucleation probability. In the later stages nanocrystallization occurs in one of the decomposed amorphous phases. The growth kinetics of the nanocrystals corresponds to a chemical relaxation process in which they equilibrate with the remaining amorphous matrix. Based on our model, a chemical diffusion constant is derived whose temperature dependence follows an Arrhenius law and is comparable with the expected self-diffusion constant of Ti in Vit1, as determined in independent studies of diffusion. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics.

OSTI ID:
20216506
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 76; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English