Abstract
The crystallization kinetics of $Fe_{73.5}Si_{13.5}B_{9}Cu_{1}Nb_{3}$ amorphous alloy has been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystallization process had two stages, i.e. precipitation of the $\alpha$-Fe(Si) solid solution and the tetragonal borides. The isothermal transformation data of the amorphous alloy has been fitted successfully to the generalized Johnson-Mehl-Avrami equation. The mean time exponent, n, obtained is close to 2.5. The value of n=2.5 may be interpreted as being due to a diffusion-controlled transformation process with a constant nucleation rate, one likely transformation mode for the crystallization of metallic amorphous alloys. The activation energy of the overall crystallization process deduced from the time to 50% crystallization are about 81 kcal/mole. The value is of the same order as those estimated from viscous flow.