The crystallization of (NiCu)ZrTiAlSi glass/crystalline composite

Alloys of composition (Ni1-xCux)60Zr18Ti13A15Si4 were investigated in the form of ribbons and massive samples. The microstructure of the massive samples consists of dendritic crystals in the amorphous or nanocrystalline matrix. The amount of the amorphous phase is the lowest in the sample with the highest Cu content. The segregation in the liquid phase, leading to the local differences in density and the composition of the crystallizing dendrites in the samples crystallized in the copper mould was shown. The typical compositions of the multi-component crystals could be distinguished; one with the increased content of aluminum, the second with the high content of silicon and third, with the high content of (NiCu) and (ZrTi). The cubic phase Ni(Cu)Ti(Zr) with Cu and Zr dissolved could be identified. (Abstract Copyright [2007], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)