Phase constitution and glass formation in an Au-based alloy

Studies on the phase constitution of annealed master ingots of the Au49Ag5.5Pd2.3Cu26.9Si16.3 alloy suggest that it is a quinary eutectic and revealed which phases solidify from the melt. The alloy has been amorphized in ribbon form. Ribbon crystallization has been studied in isothermal and continuous heating modes. From such experiments data on the mechanism and kinetics of crystallization have been obtained. Time–temperature–transformation and Continuous Heating Transformations plots for crystallization have been derived from thermal data.

Research highlights
► Equilibrium constitution was determined for the current best Au-based glass former.
► TTT and CHT plots for Au-based glass former have been obtained by thermal analysis.
► A transient crystalline phase was discovered in early stage of crystallisation.