Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Using high-precision X-ray dilatometry, we have succeeded in directly measuring excess quenched-in free-volume Vf in metallic glasses. The method was applied to the very easy glass forming Zr57Nb5Cu15.4Ni12.6Al10 (Vit 106). The annealing out of the order of 0.5% free volume was observed during heat treatment of rapidly solidified glassy ribbons. Excess free volume was also generated by heavy deformation and observed to anneal out during heat treatment. Once the excess free volume anneals out, the glass transition Tg appears clearly as a break in the x-ray dilatation curves as the glass goes over to the supercooled liquid region prior to crystallization at Tx.