Crystallization behavior of Ce70−xAl10Cu20Cox (x = 0, 1, 3, 5 at.%) amorphous alloys

The effect of Co addition (substituting for Ce) on crystallization behavior of Ce70Al10Cu20 amorphous alloys has been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Co addition has an obvious effect on topological short-range ordering of Ce–Al–Cu–(Co) amorphous alloys. Moreover, the Co addition can slightly improve the thermal stability of Ce–Al–Cu based amorphous alloys. The 1 and 3 at.% Co additions do not obviously change the crystallization behavior of the Ce–Al–Cu–(Co) amorphous alloys, and the final crystallization products are FCC–CeAlCu(Co)O. However, the 5 at.% Co addition can alter the crystallization behavior of the Ce70Al10Cu20 amorphous alloys. Proper content of Co can effectively suppress the formation of oxide phases during annealing of the Ce–Al–Cu–(Co) amorphous alloys.

► We report the effect of Co addition on crystallization of Ce-based amorphous alloy.
► 1 and 3 at.% Co additions do not obviously change the crystallization behavior.
► The crystallization product of amorphous Ce70−xAl10Cu20Cox (x = 0,1,3) is CeAlCu(Co)O.
► Proper content of Co can suppress the formation of oxide phases during annealing.
► This study provides useful information of crystallization for Ce-based amorphous alloy.