Anisotropic nanocrystallization of a Zr-based metallic glass induced by Xe ion irradiation

Structural modification in a Zr-based metallic glass caused by irradiation with 7 MeV Xe26+ ions was investigated. Needle-like nanocrystalline structures, formed under ion irradiation, consist of Cu10Zr7 phase (primary) and/or minor (NixCu1−x)10Zr7 phase. The formation of needle-like nanocrystals suggested an anisotropic atomic diffusion caused by ion irradiation.