Role of additive (Zn) incorporation on the glass/crystal thermodynamics and stability of Se80 − xTe20Znx (x = 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) glassy alloys

Different thermodynamic parameters (quantities) of Se80 − xTe20Znx (x = 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) glasses have been obtained from the phase transformation studies using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) under non-isothermal condition at five different heating rates (10–50 K/min). Specific heat measurements have been made to see the effect of Zn additive in Se–Te–Zn glasses which have further been utilized to evaluate various thermodynamic quantities such as entropy difference (ΔS), enthalpy difference (ΔH) and Gibbs free energy difference (ΔG) between the undercooled melt and the corresponding equilibrium solid phases as a function of temperature. The data obtained from different thermodynamic quantities have been used to determine the stability of these glasses. It has been found that the stability of the samples increases with the increase of Zinc (Zn) content in the investigated series of the glassy alloys.

Research highlights
► Se–Te–Zn glasses show single Tg and Tc and thus can be used as recording materials.
► The increase in Zn content increases the peak of Cp and shifts towards higher temperature.
► There is a correlation between enthalpy, Gibbs free energy and Tc–Tg.
► Thermal stability and GFA increase with incorporation of Zn in investigated glasses.