Nano-crystallization behavior of Zr–Cu–Al bulk glass-forming alloy

The glass-forming ability and devitrification behavior of a Zr55Cu35Al10 bulk glass-forming alloy were examined to elucidate the very high nanocrystallization product density (> 1023 m−3). The crystallization kinetics and structural changes in the glassy alloy were studied using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning and isothermal calorimetry methods. The observed sequential phase formation during isothermal reaction and the high nanocrystal density are consistent with the influence of residual oxygen even at low levels (< 500 ppm) to promote nucleation.