Effect of quenching condition on micro-inhomogeneous structure of Al-Fe-Ce amorphous alloy

The microstructures of liquid and amorphous Al90Fe5Ce5 alloys were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the crystalline behavior of the amorphous alloy was also investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The distinct pre-peaks were found on the structure factors of the liquid and amorphous alloys. The quenching temperature affects the pre-peak area, but does not affect its position. The reduction of quenching temperature decreases the crystallization temperature and the activation energy of the Al-Fe-Ce amorphous alloy. Quenched from 1050 degrees C, a novel structure with a fine dispersion of Al nanophase particles homogeneously distributed in the amorphous matrix was obtained. And the sensitivity of the Al-Fe-Ce amorphous alloy to the quenching temperature reflects the micro-inhomogeneity of the melt.