Prediction of spinodal wavelength in continuously cooled metallic liquid

Abstract

The spinodal decomposition of a deeply undercooled metallic liquid Zr41.2 Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 between 800 and 700 K is analysed in the framework of the theory of Cahn and Hilliard for continuous cooling, and the wavelength with maximum amplification is predicted, using as input parameters thermodynamic values gained in experiments. Electron microscopical studies show the microstructure of glass forming alloys Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5. The as‐cast material exhibits a two phase mixture of amorphous regions with different compositions. Evidence for spinodal decomposition is given, and the computed maximum‐amplitude wavelength corresponds well with the one found in the experiments.