Gold as an alloying element promoting formation of a nanoicosahedral phase in a Cu-based alloy

The present paper presents a new application field of Au as an alloying element in Cu-based glassy alloys with a tendency to form nanoscale icosahedral particles having quasicrystalline symmetry upon devitrification. Nanoicosahedral particles with a size below 10 nm are formed in the amorphous matrix of Cu₅₅Zr₃₀Ti₁₀Au₅ glassy alloy in the initial stage of the devitrification process. The paper also illustrates structure changes on heating studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning and isothermal calorimetry methods.