Structural evolution of heavy rare Earth-based metal glass under high pressure

The structural evolution of Er₅₅Al₂₅Co₂₀metallic glasses (MGs) at high pressure was studied through x-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation. The compression ratio, differential structure factor, pair distribution functiong(r), and relative resistance as functions of pressure were analyzed and discussed. A reversible polyamorphic transition with a clear hysteresis was detected in the Er₅₅Al₂₅Co₂₀MGs. The irreversible annihilation of free volume and voids led to a densification of the specimens. Electronic resistance measurements demonstrated that the transition was strongly correlated with the electronic structural evolution. The results provide a new insight into understanding the mechanisms of polyamorphism in MGs.