Solid state amorphization and crystallization in Zr66.7Pd33.3 metallic glass

We observed quasicrystal-to-amorphous-to-crystal (Q–A–C) transition in Zr66.7Pd33.3 metallic glass. The unique disordering–ordering phase transition was induced by 2 MeV electron irradiation at 298 K. Electron irradiation can induce not only the solid-state amorphization but also crystallization of a glassy structure under the same irradiation conditions. The Q–A–C transition can be explained by change in the phase stability of crystal, quasicrystal and amorphous phases by electron irradiation induced atomic displacement.