Abstract
We report on and characterize, via molecular dynamics studies, the evolution of the structure of CuZr and CuZr metallic glasses (MGs) as temperature is varied. Interestingly, a percolating icosahedral network appears in the CuZr system as it is supercooled. This leads us to introduce a static length scale, which grows dramatically as this three-dimensional system approaches the glass transition. Amidst interpenetrating connections, noninterpenetrating connections between icosahedra are shown to become prevalent upon supercooling and to greatly enhance the connectivity of the MG's icosahedral network. Additionally, we characterize the chemical compositions of the icosahedral networks and their components. These findings demonstrate the importance of noninterpenetrating connections for facilitating extensive structural networks in Cu-Zr MGs, which in turn drive dynamical slowing in these materials.
- Received 21 January 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.184203
©2013 American Physical Society