Real-space structural studies of Cu–Zr–Ti glassy alloy

Structural features of a glassy Cu60Zr30Ti10 alloy are studied by using the real-space pair distribution and radial distribution functions. The experimental X-ray diffraction data obtained in a synchrotron beam were used to derive radial distribution function through Fourier transformation processing. Based on these and the results of transmission electron microscopy observation it is suggested that a certain degree of medium-range order in this alloy maintains up to about 2 nm distance. It is also shown that the interatomic distances closely correspond to those of oC68 Cu10Zr7 compound which allows obtaining high relative density of the glassy alloy. The formation of icosahedral local order is also presumed.