Stability of Zr-Based Metallic Glass Structure under High-Temperature Plasma Impact

Investigation of Zr based metallic glass (11% Ti, 12% Ni, 13% Cu, Zr – balance, wt. %) structure transformations after compression plasma flows impact was the main aim of this work. The energy density absorbed by the surface layer was varied in the range of 4-10 J/cm2 per pulse. Structure, element and phase composition of the surface layer were characterized by the X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The findings showed that increase of the energy absorbed by the surface layer resulted in decomposition of metallic glass amorphous structure. Formation of disordered clusters was found at the density of energy absorbed by the surface layer 4 J/cm2. Crystalline precipitates in disordered matrix were found at 8 J/cm2. Plasma treatment at 10 J/cm2 led to full crystallization of surface layer. $\alpha-\text{Zr},\ \alpha-\text{Ti},\ \alpha-\text{Zr}(\text{Ti})$, Cu and Ni crystalline phases were found in the surface layer after plasma impact at this energy density.