Microwave-induced electromigration in multicomponent metallic alloys

The crystallization of amorphous FeCoCuZrAlSiB alloy ribbons during microwave heating was investigated in situ using time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction. The formation of the nanocrystalline α-(Fe,Co)(SiAl) phase during the primary crystallization stage is followed by the crystallization of the residual glassy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy analysis after microwave exposure reveals the formation of nanosized hillocks evenly distributed over the ribbon surfaces. Local chemical composition analysis by energy-dispersive spectroscopy shows that the surface clusters are enriched in Cu and Al. The occurrence of this typical electromigration effect imposes a strong restriction on the dura…