Densification-induced heat release upon structural relaxation of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses

The investigation of the heat release related to the densification occurring upon structural relaxation of Zr-based metallic glasses has been performed. A linear relationship between the heat release and relative volume change has been determined. The data analysis provides further evidence for the mechanism of structural relaxation based on the relaxation of interstitialcy-like structural “defects” inherited from the melt.