Formation of anomalously large Al single crystals at triple points during pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) of Al86Ni6Y4.5Co2La1.5 metallic glass

Abstract

Anomalously large aluminium single crystals with a size of ~ 500 nm have been observed at triple points between powder particles after pulsed electric current sintering below and in the supercooled liquid region in an Al 86 Ni 6 Y 4.5 Co 2 La 1.5 metallic glass. The formation of the large Al grains is attributed to high localized temperatures and the enhancement of long-range diffusion of Al by the electric current leading to grain growth and coalescence.