Structure and crystallization of amorphous Zr100−xMx alloys

Abstract Amorphous Zr-rich Zr 100-x M x alloys were prepared in the composition range 20≤ x ( Fe )≤35, 22≤ x ( Co )≤54, 23≤ x ( Ni )≤64 for M = Fe, Co, Ni respectively. The structure of the amorphous ZrFe alloys was determined by X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer-effect measurements, which indicate a deviation of the atomic arrangements in these metallic glasses from the DRPHS model. The crystallization processes were investigated by a combined analysis of DSC, resistivity, TEM, X-ray and Mossbauer-effect measurements. In the ZrFe system, crystallization of α-Zr as well as ω-Zr and cubic Zr 2 Fe ( a = 12.2 A ) was observed in the temperature region between 350 and 450° C, followed by a transformation into orthorhombic Zr 3 Fe which leads to an additional small exothermal peak in the DSC scan. First results of a comparative analysis of the three systems are discussed.