Formation of anomalously large Al single crystals at triple points during pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) of Al86Ni6Y 4.5Co2La1.5 metallic glass

Anomalously large aluminium single crystals with a size of 500 nm have been observed at triple points between powder particles after pulsed electric current sintering below and in the supercooled liquid region in an Al86Ni6Y4.5Co2La1.5 metallic glass. The formation of the large Al grains is attributed to high localized temperatures and the enhancement of long-range diffusion of Al by the electric current leading to grain growth and coalescence.