Structural evolution of nano-scale icosahedral phase in novel multicomponent amorphous alloys

Abstract

Novel (Ti₃₃Zr₃₃Hf₃₃)₇₀(Ni₅₀Cu₅₀)₂₀Al₁₀, (Ti₂₅Zr₂₅Hf₂₅Nb₂₅)₇₀(Ni₅₀Cu₅₀)₂₀Al₁₀, and (Ti₃₃Zr₃₃Hf₃₃)₇₀(Ni₃₃Cu₃₃Ag₃₃)₂₀Al₁₀ multicomponent amorphous alloys developed by equiatomic substitution transform into a nano-scale icosahedral phase upon devitrification. However, the decomposition sequence of the nano-scale icosahedral phase at higher temperatures is significantly different for each alloy. The occurrence of the Zr₂Cu-type phase during the decomposition of the devitrified icosahedral phase can enhance the thermal stability of the icosahedral phase.

Acknowledgements

One of the authors, K.B. Kim gratefully acknowledges financial support from The British Council. This research was carried out with support from EPSRC grant GR/M12971.