Glass formation in a Ni-based multicomponent alloy by mechanical milling and microwave treatment of the obtained powders

Glass formation was achieved by mechanical milling of crystalline Ni ₅₉Ti₁₆Zr₂₀Sn₅ pre-alloyed powders. Compared to the glassy alloy ribbon of the same composition obtained by melting-spinning method, the alloy powders milled for 24 h exhibited a lower crystallization temperature and do not have a distinct glass-transition characteristic. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicated that a small fraction of the powder exists in nanocrystalline state within the glassy matrix. The obtained Ni ₅₉Ti₁₆Zr₂₀Sn₅ powdered specimen was heated rapidly by microwave radiation and the bulk porous sample was obtained under a low applied pressure of 5 MPa.