Evolution of the structure of amorphous Al$_{87}$Ni$_8$Y$_5$ alloy under ultrasonic treatment

The evolution of the structure of the amorphous Al$_{87}$Ni$_8$Y$_5$ alloy under ultrasonic treatment was studied using X-ray structural analysis. It was found that after ultrasonic treatment, a small amount of aluminum nanocrystals is formed. The size of the nanocrystals depends on the treatment conditions: a change in the power and duration of ultrasonic treatment leads to an increase in the average size of the nanocrystals. The reasons for the formation of nanocrystals in the amorphous phase under ultrasonic treatment are discussed in terms of free volume.