Effect of adding W particles on the crystallization behaviour of Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 amorphous alloy

The influence of W particles (Wp) addition on the crystallization behaviour was studied by comparing crystallization processes of Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 amorphous alloy and Wp/Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 amorphous composites by DSC, In-situ XRD and SEM/EDS. Results showed that Wp addition increased Tg, decreased Tx, Tp, and Delta T, resulting in a decrease in the thermal stability of the amorphous alloy. Wp could play a role of non-spontaneous nucleation and promoted the crystallization process. At the same time, Wp increased the internal viscosity, hindered the growth process of grains and led to a higher crystallization-activation energy. The nucleation growth process was mainly controlled by diffusion, and the nucleation rate decreased with increasing time. The crystallization products are primarily comprised the Zr2Cu phase, accompanied by a small amount of the Zr6Ni8Al15 phase as well as some unknown phases.