Anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering studies of phase separation in bulk amorphous Zr52.5 Ti5 Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10

Abstract

We have performed differential anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS) experiments on samples of bulk amorphous Zr52.5Ti5Cu17.9 Ni14.6Al10 annealed in the supercooled liquid region. We observe the development of strong small-angle scattering, associated with phase separation on the nanometer scale in the supercooled liquid. Analysis of the Zr-edge ASAXS data reveals that this phase separation is largely due to a redistribution of Zr. Continued annealing results in the nucleation and growth of Zr-rich crystalline intermetallic phases.