Reversible atomic processes as basic mechanisms of the glass transition

Reversible formation and disappearance of vacant spaces (vacancy-type defects) in bulk Zr57CU15.4Ni12.6Nb5Al10 glass are directly evidenced by high-resolution, time-differential dilatometry studies. The vacancy kinetics are strongly temperature-dependent, with an effective migration enthalpy of H-v(M) = 3.34 eV. This may explain the strong temperature dependence of glass properties such as viscosity. The results presented here are of general importance for understanding amorphous condensed matter and bio-materials and for the technical development of amorphous steels.