Crystallization of a Mechanically Activated CuTi Alloy

The atomic structure and amorphous-crystalline transition dynamics in CuTi metallic glass synthesized by high-energy ball milling have been studied. Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), it has been shown that the initial amorphous phase contains crystalline inclusions, which are up to 8 nm in size and may serve as crystallization centers. In contrast to the earlier studied amorphous CuTi alloys synthesized by melt spinning, the process of crystallization in the mechanically generated amorphous alloy begins at a lower temperature (250°C) and lasts for 20–30 s. A conclusion about the diffusion mechanism of crystallization in this material has been made.