A structural model for surface-enhanced stabilization in some metallic glass formers

A structural model for surface-enhanced stabilization in some metallic glass formers is proposed. In this model, the alloy surface structure is represented by five-layer Kagomé-net-based lateral ordering. Such surface structure has intrinsic abilities to stabilize icosahedral-like short-range order in the bulk, acting as ‘a cloak of liquidity’. In particular, recent experimental observations of surface-induced lateral ordering and a very high glass forming ability of the liquid alloy Au49Ag5.5Pd2.3Cu26.9Si16.3 can be united using this structural model. This model may be useful for the interpretation of surface structure of other liquid alloys with a high glass forming ability. In addition, it suggests the possibility of guiding the design of the surface coating of solid containers for the stabilization of undercooled liquids.