A model for the decomposition kinetics of the bulk amorphous Zr41Be22.5Ti14Cu12.5Ni10 alloy

Recent experimental data on decomposition phenomena of bulk amorphous Zr41Be22.5Ti14Cu12.5Ni10 alloy in the supercooled liquid state are explained in terms of a theoretical model. The model includes two different aspects: (i) nucleation and diffusion limited growth of (amorphous) spherical precipitates and (ii) ordering effects due to hardcore-like interaction of the diffusion zones around the precipitates. For the early stages of decomposition and low volume fraction of precipitates the model is treated analytically whereas for medium and high volume fraction computer simulation is necessary. The theoretical results are compared to experimental small-angle neutron scattering curves obtained for different annealing times and temperatures. The comparison shows that the proposed model is suitable to describe the decomposition of the alloy during annealing within the supercooled liquid state. (author). Letter-to-the-editor