Crystallization kinetics and thermal stability of Se_98-xZn₂In_x chalcogenide glasses

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of Se_{98 −x} Zn₂In _x (0 ≤ x ≥ 10) chalcogenide glasses. The onset crystallization activation energy E _c, peak crystallization activation energy E _p and overall crystallization activation energy E have been determined by different approaches. The values of E _c, E _p and E have minima at a composition corresponding to 6 at% In. However the stability factor S and the crystallization rate constant stability factor K have a maximum and a minimum, respectively, at in the same composition. The nucleation and growth order parameter n, and the dimension order parameter m, are also determined and discussed for the present glasses.

Keywords:

• amorphous chalcogenide glasses
• thermal properties
• crystallization kinetics
• activation energy
• stability factor

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR, Project No. 03(1063)/06/EMR-II], New Delhi (India) to enable us to carry out this work. We are also thankful to Professor O.N. Srivastava who helped us in various ways during the course of this study.