Ion irradiation induced element-enriched and depleted nanostructures in Zr-Al-Cu-Ni metallic glass

The microstructural evolution of a Zr-Al-Cu-Ni metallic glass induced by irradiation with Ar ions was investigated. Under ion irradiation, the Cu-and Ni-enriched nanostructures (diameter of 30-50 nm) consisted of crystalline and amorphous structures were formed. Further, Cu-and Ni-depleted nanostructures with diameters of 5-20 nm were also observed. The formation of these nanostructures can be ascribed to the migration of Cu and Ni atoms in the irradiated metallic glass. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.