Crystallization kinetics of the bulk-glass-forming Pd43Ni10Cu27P20 melt

Abstract

The crystallization of undercooled Pd43Ni10Cu27P20 melts is studied under isothermal conditions and at constant heating and cooling rates. Investigations are carried out by fluxing the melt with B2O3 and without any fluxing material. The isothermal experiments allow us to determine the complete time-temperature-transformation diagram with a minimum crystallization time of about 200 s for the fluxed melt and about 130 s for the unfluxed Pd43Ni10Cu27P20 melt. The results of the experiments at constant cooling and heating rates are summarized in a continuous heating and cooling diagram. The critical cooling rate for the fluxed alloy is determined to be 0.09 K/s, whereas the critical heating rate is 6 K/s. For the unfluxed Pd43Ni10Cu27P20, 0.4 and 9 K/s are found, respectively. This alloy exhibits the most sluggish crystallization kinetics of all metallic systems known so far. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.