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Supercooled melting in multicomponent Zr{endash}Al{endash}Cu{endash}Ni diffusion couples

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.116363· OSTI ID:284237
; ;  [1]
  1. California Institute of Technology, W. M. Keck Laboratory of Engineering Materials, 138-78, Pasadena, California 91125 (United States)

Diffusion couples combining a hcp Zr{sub 90}Al{sub 10} supersaturated solid solution with a fcc Cu{sub 64}Ni{sub 36} solid solution were annealed at 410{degree}C for different times. The reaction at the interface was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The investigations show the formation of a noncrystalline layer at the interface between the two solid solutions that grows to a maximum thickness of more than 0.3 {mu}m. Concentration profiles reveal that two noncrystalline phases coexist in the diffusion couple. One is Ni-rich and was in the amorphous state during the reaction at 410{degree}C. The other phase is Zr-rich and grew in its supercooled liquid state. This novel supercooled melting process has not been previously observed in a solid state reaction. Kinetic and thermodynamic aspects that contribute to the high thermal stability of the Zr{endash}Al{endash}Ni{endash}Cu in the supercooled liquid are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

Research Organization:
California Institute of Technology
DOE Contract Number:
FG03-86ER45242
OSTI ID:
284237
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 21 Vol. 68; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English