Effect of ion irradiation in an Al90Fe2Ce8 metallic glass

• Ion irradiation induced crystallization can be observed in AlFeCe glass.
• The surfaces have been smoothened after ion irradiation.
• The nanohardness and Young’s modulus increase after ion irradiation.

Here the irradiation effect of an AlFeCe metallic glass under nitrogen ions was investigated. Ion irradiation induced crystallization can be observed in the studied metallic glass. The surface morphologies have been also examined by atomic force microscopy prior to and after ion irradiation. It is found that the surfaces have been smoothened after ion irradiation. The nanohardness and Young’s modulus of metallic glass increase after ion irradiation, which can be attributed to the formation of crystalline phases. The results obtained here clearly suggest that ion irradiation can be a useful method to tailor the microstructure and mechanical properties of metallic glasses.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide