Formation of nonequilibrium phases and associated structural transitions in the Rh–Ta system induced by ion beam mixing

Multilayered films of Rh1−xTax (x = 25, 40, 50, 60) were prepared and irradiated by 200 keV Xe+. A Gibbs free energy diagram of the Rh–Ta system was derived that predicted the glass-forming range to be within 43–65 at.% of Ta. This agreed well with the experimental results. An interest phase transformation mechanism of Rh + Ta → fccI + fccII → fcc was observed and discussed.