Ultrafine nanostructure of partially crystallized bulk amorphous Zr_54.5Ti_7.5Al₁₀Cu₂₀Ni₈

Bulk amorphous Zr_54.5Ti_7.5Al₁₀Cu₂₀Ni₈ was investigated by means of small-angle neutron scattering and high-resolution electron microscopy. Partially crystallized states were generated by annealing. The scattering data were analyzed in terms of a model taking into account both properties of the particles and interparticle interference. The mean radius of the particles is 1.3 nm. They are surrounded by a depletion zone with mean thickness of 2.6 nm. The volume fraction of the particles is estimated from the interparticle interference effect; its upper limit after annealing at 653 K for 4 h is 12%. Electron microscopy confirms the size determined from the scattering data and shows that the particles are crystalline.