Control of nanocrystalline orientation using the application of a stress field in an amorphous alloy

Precipitation of nanocrystals in a Ni-P amorphous alloy film during applica tion of a stress field has been investigated. Microsized cantilever-beam-ty pe specimens were prepared from the film by focused-ion-beam machining and bending stress was applied to the specimen using a mechanical testing machi ne for microsized specimens. Transmission electron microscopy observation i n the plane strain deformed region has revealed that the deformation induce s the precipitation of nanocrystalline Ni particles, and a (111) plane of a ll crystalline particles is aligned parallel to the side surface of the spe cimen. This suggests that control of the nanocrystalline orientation in amo rphous alloys would be possible using the application of a stress field. (C ) 2001 American Institute of Physics.