Structural evolution during crystallization in phase separated Ti–Y–Al–Co metallic glass

Structural evolution during heat treatment of melt spun Ti₃₆Y₂₀Al₂₄Co₂₀ alloy was studied using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. The as-melt spun Ti₃₆Y₂₀Al₂₄Co₂₀ specimen showed a hierarchical complex microstructure consisting of Ti-rich and Y-rich amorphous phases and crystallized with two-step process. Crystallization in the phase separated two phase mixture took place in a confined mode due to different thermal stability and complex microstructure, resulting in various nano-scaled microstructural formation ranging from fine distribution of crystalline particles in amorphous matrix to fine distribution of amorphous particles in crystalline matrix.