Direct Observation of Evolution from Amorphous Phase to Strain Glass

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics
• Metallurgy

Background:

• Amorphous phases and strain glasses are disordered solid states with unique properties.
• Previous research focused on individual glass types, neglecting their interrelation.
• Understanding the link between amorphous and strain glass phases is crucial for advanced alloy design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolution pathway from an amorphous phase to a strain glass phase.
• To explore the coexistence and interplay between amorphous and strain glass states in Fe-Pd alloys.
• To provide a basis for designing novel glass composite materials with tailored properties.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of an almost amorphous Fe67.8Pd32.2 alloy via arc melting and cold rolling.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
• In situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to observe the phase evolution.

Main Results:

• Direct observation of the transformation from amorphous phase to strain glass.
• Formation of strain nanodomains within the amorphous matrix below crystallization temperature.
• Identification of an unusual crystallization process linking the two glass states.

Conclusions:

• The direct observation provides a pathway for controlling crystallinity and microstructure.
• Tuning the amorphous and strain glass coexistence allows for tailoring mechanical and functional properties.
• This work offers possibilities for designing advanced glass composite materials.