Microstructure of nanocrystalline globules embedded in an amorphous matrix of Fe-Cu-based immiscible alloys: The nanoglobules with core-shell in Fe-Cu-based alloys

The combination of liquid phase separation and amorphous phase formation in separate liquids offers an opportunity to obtain unique solidification structures. The microstructure of the melt-spun ribbons in Fe-Cu-Zr-B alloys was examined using transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The results clarified the presence of an emulsion-like structure composed of nanoglobules and an Fe-based amorphous matrix in the melt-spun ribbons. The nanoglobules had a core-shell structure in which a face-centered cubic Cu crystalline core was covered by a B-enriched Fe-based amorphous shell. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.