Crystallization, neutron irradiation, and annealing studies in glassy Ti50Be40Zr10

We have studied the crystallization and the effects of neutron irradiation and annealing on glassy Ti₅₀Be₄₀Zr₁₀ (Metglas 2204) using resistivity measurements. The resistivity was measured from 2–1000 K for as-received Metglas 2204. Jumps in the resistivity were observed at the various stages during the crystallization process in agreement with previously reported results. Further, the negative temperature dependence of resistivity is affected by neutron irradiation and annealing. In both cases, interpretation of the results in terms of the Ziman theory of liquid metals indicates that the structure factor has sharpened. In the neutron irradiation case the structural relaxation is most likely the result of radiation enhanced diffusion due to the formation of vacancies.