Nearest-neighbor coordination and chemical ordering in multi-component bulk metallic glasses

Abstract

We report complimentary use of high energy x-ray and neutron diffraction to probe the local atomic structure in a Zr-based multi-component bulk metallic glass. By analyzing the partial coordination numbers, we demonstrate the presence of multiple types of solute-centered clusters (or the lack of solute-solute bonding) and efficient packing of the amorphous structure at the atomic scale. Our findings provide a basis for understanding how the local structures change during phase transformation and mechanical deformation.