A Review on Small- and Wide-Angle X-Ray Scattering Applied to the Precipitation Process in Metallic Alloys

Combined analysis of small-angle scattering (SAS) and wide-angle diffraction/scattering for the precipitation process in metallic alloys is reviewed with emphasis on precipitation with ordering and precipitation from glasses. Simultaneous SAS and order spot measurements proved their effectiveness in the quantitative description of microstructural evolution during phase separation with ordering. Some limitations on such applications are also discussed. For bulk metallic glasses, simultaneous use of diffraction and SAS is essential to answer a fundamental question about whether the phase separation without crystallization occurs.