The Origin of a Two-Stage Endothermic Reaction in Zr36Ti24Be40 Metallic Glass

Abstract

The origin of a two-stage endothermic reaction in Zr36Ti24Be40 metallic glass was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thenno-mechanical analyzer (TMA) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). HREM image of a specimen heated to 420 degrees C under a constant applied tensile stress of 3 MPa showed the formation of medium-range-ordered clusters 1 nm to 2 nm in size. This phenomenon is attributed to strain-induced deformation. This suggests that the formation of clusters may be an appropriate interpretation of the additional endothermic heat in the supercooled liquid region.