Amorphization of eutectic alloys by shock compression

The eutectic alloys Au–Si, Au–Ge, Al–Si and Al–Ge, known to be highly brittle under normal compression, were subjected to high-speed shock compression in order to induce amorphization. Plastic deformation was easily achieved in Au–Si, Al–Si and Al–Ge, yielding thin foils of these alloys. However, an amorphous phase was confirmed only in the case of Au–Si. Furthermore, a superstructure was observed in various locations in the Au–Si thin foil. Au–Ge was pulverized upon shock compression.