CRYSTALLIZATION PROCESS FOR THE METALLIC-GLASS FE18C60SI9B13

Samples of the metallic glass Fe18Co60Si9B13, as received, were isothe rmally annealed for 4 h in an argon atmosphere at temperatures of 573, 673, 723, 773, 823 K to observe the changes occurring when the amorph ous material crystallizes. The structural changes occurring were analy zed by X-ray diffraction, which shows that the first crystalline phase with the alpha-Fe structure (bcc) starts to form at a temperature of 673 K. Annealing at higher temperatures leads to an increase in the am ount of this phase and the formation of the phase, Co2B. Simultaneous investigations of the electrical and Hall resistivity also were carrie d out, because the structural changes have an effect on both the elect rical resistance and the Hall effect. A distinct decrease in these par ameters occurs after annealing, leading to the creation of the crystal line phases. The present studies demonstrate that, after annealing at a temperature 773 K, the crystallization is complete. Annealing at hig her temperatures results only in changes in the relative contribution of these phases.