Thermal behaviors of Al-based amorphous alloys bearing nanocrystalline In particles

We successfully fabricated nanocrystalline (NC) indium (In) particles embedded in Al-based amorphous matrix. Systematic investigations indicate that thermal interaction between the NC In and the amorphous matrix significantly influences their respective thermal behaviors. The melting temperature of NC In was found to be depressed by 10-30 K, owing to the specific interfacial structure of NC In/amorphous system. The simultaneous appearance of the liquid/amorphous interface destabilizes the amorphous matrix, leading to face-centered cubic-Al precipitation at the interface of In sphere/amorphous matrix at a relatively lower temperature. This effect is attributed to the diffusion of La from the matrix to the liquid In particles.