Differences in structure and dynamics of ternary Pd-Ni-based bulk metallic glasses containing sulfur or phosphorous

The composition Pd31Ni42S27 has been shown to be the best glass former in the family of recently discovered glass forming PdNiS alloys. In this study, this sample system was systematically investigated using fluctuation-and correlation electron microscopy of which the results are compared to a Pd40Ni40P20 bulk metallic glass that serves as a model system for metallic glasses. Strong differences in the local atomic correlations beyond the short-range order were observed, which are assumed to be a reason for their discrepancy in thermal stability. The relaxation dynamics at room temperature revealed faster dynamics in the sulfur-containing Pd31Ni42S27 glass.