Microstructural evolution in decomposition of amorphous Zr41Ti14Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 alloy, as investigated by small-angle neutron scattering

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been applied to investigate decomposition kinetics and microstructural evolution in amorphous Zr41Ti14Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5. It is detected that immediately after the alloy is submitted into the supercooled liquid range, phase separation develops rapidly in the early stage, leaving a sluggish coarsening stage. The decomposed alloy finally achieves a roughly regular microstructure which consists of one particle-like supercooled liquid phase embedded in the similarly disordered matrix. The morphology of the particles as a function of time is evaluated, predicting a bar-like pattern. Strong temperature dependence of the phase separation is observed.