Observation of magnetically induced crystallization of undercooled Co-Pd alloys

The undercoolability of bulk samples of Co100-xPdx alloys is investigated a t four compositions (x = 18, 25, 30, 50) by application of the electromagne tic levitation technique. Each alloy is undercooled approximately 100 times under same experiment conditions. A model developed by Skripov is utilized to statistically analyze the distribution of maximum undercoolings in orde r to gain insight into the origin of nucleation. The results indicate that crystal nucleation is influenced by the onset of magnetic ordering when the nucleation temperature is approaching the Curie temperature.