Configurational entropy and the stability limit of a glass

Abstract

We propose a simple method of estimating the configurational entropy of a glass from thermodynamic considerations and thermal expansion measurements and apply it to a bulk metallic glass of composition Zr65Ni10Cu17.5Al7.5 which has important technological applications. We also calculate the Gibb's free energy difference between the glassy and the crystalline states which measures the thermal stability of the glassy phase. Our method also predicts a new isentropic instability temperature beyond which a glass cannot be superheated. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.