Differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction are utilized in a study of solid-state vitrification of multilayered composites of Ni and Zr. In order to understand better and optimize the amorphizing reaction, we have examined the kinetics of competing reactions: the formation and growth of crystalline intermetallic compounds. The value of the activation energy, $E_c$, of the initial crystallization of the growing amorphous phase is determined to be $E_c$=2.0±0.1 eV, establishing an upper limit on the thermal stability of the amorphous-diffusion couple.

• Received 7 August 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.37.9049