On the role of Sm in solidification of Al-Sm metallic glasses

Abstract During the solidification of Al-Sm metallic glasses the evolution of the supercooled liquid atomic structure has been identified with an increasing population of icosahedral-like clusters with increasing Sm concentration. These clusters exhibit slower kinetics compared to the remaining clusters in the liquid leading to enhanced amorphous phase stability and glass forming ability (GFA). Maximum icosahedral-ordering and atomic packing density have been found for the Al 90 Sm 10 and Al 85 Sm 15 alloys, respectively, whereas minimum cohesive energy has been found for the Al 93 Sm 7 which is consistent with the range of compositions (from Al 92 Sm 8 to Al 84 Sm 16 ) found experimentally with high GFA.