Fast scanning calorimetry: From thermal analysis to glass design

This work shows that fast differential scanning calorimetry can be used as an engineering fast-probing tool for predictive glass design rather than for thermal analysis only. The examination of Au-based metallic-glass jewelry reveals different types of glassy states that can be achieved by controlling the cooling rate, quenching temperature, annealing temperature, and annealing time. These different states of the same composition are glasses with and without nuclei, and with crystals. In particular, the formation of nuclei can be controlled by the cooling rate, quenching temperature, or annealing parameters, leading to significant differences in the crystallization mechanism. This offers the opportunity to adjust various iso-configurational glassy states, rather than compositions, to achieve a broad range of properties suitable for different applications, such as tough and deformable structural glasses, stable glasses for additive manufacturing, or metallic-glass-nanocrystalline composites with excellent soft magnetic properties. A methodology for constructing thermal-processing maps, readily established via fast differential scanning calorimetry, guiding materials production is provided.