Crystallization behavior of Ce70−Al10Cu20Co (x= 0, 1, 3, 5 at.%) amorphous alloys

Abstract The effect of Co addition (substituting for Ce) on crystallization behavior of Ce 70 Al 10 Cu 20 amorphous alloys has been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Co addition has an obvious effect on topological short-range ordering of Ce–Al–Cu–(Co) amorphous alloys. Moreover, the Co addition can slightly improve the thermal stability of Ce–Al–Cu based amorphous alloys. The 1 and 3 at.% Co additions do not obviously change the crystallization behavior of the Ce–Al–Cu–(Co) amorphous alloys, and the final crystallization products are FCC–CeAlCu(Co)O. However, the 5 at.% Co addition can alter the crystallization behavior of the Ce 70 Al 10 Cu 20 amorphous alloys. Proper content of Co can effectively suppress the formation of oxide phases during annealing of the Ce–Al–Cu–(Co) amorphous alloys.