Nucleation, growth and impingement modes deduced from isothermally and isochronally conducted phase transformations: Calorimetric analysis of the crystallization of amorphous Zr₅₀Al₁₀Ni₄₀

The crystallization kinetics of amorphous Zr₅₀Al ₁₀Ni₄₀, as measured by means of both isothermal and isochronal differential scanning calorimetry, were evaluated using a new procedure involving application of a modular analytical model to provide a complete description of the phase-transformation kinetics, in combination with a preceding analysis of the transformation-rate maximum. The power of detailed analysis of the position of the transformation-rate maximum, as a function of the transformed fraction, was demonstrated by identification of the operating impingement mode. On this basis, the kinetic parameters governing the crystallization kinetics could then be determined quantitatively using the modular analytical model. The crystallization governing mechanisms could be varied by appropriate control of the crystallization conditions. The results obtained are consistent with the microstructural evolution, as observed by transmission electron microscopy.