Nano-crystallization of Fe36Cr12Mo10 phase in Fe55−xCr18Mo7B16C4Nbx (X = 0, 3, 4) amorphous alloys

Abstract Crystallization of nanosize Fe 36 Cr 12 Mo 10 phase during annealing process of amorphous Fe 55 − x Cr 18 Mo 7 B 16 C 4 Nb x (X = 0, 3, 4) alloys and also growth mechanisms were studied by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetric tests as well as TEM observations. Results of TEM observations showed that Fe 36 Cr 12 Mo 10 phase crystallized in the structures of the alloys in separated perlitic colonies. Furthermore, it is proposed that Fe 36 Cr 12 Mo 10 phase crystallized in the alloys in mottled morphology and about average size of 10 nm. In addition, kinetic investigations revealed that not only nucleation frequencies but also growth rates were reduced simultaneously by Nb alloying in the alloys.