Alloy-based nono-crystal texture and method of preparing same

Abstract

To provide a very tough material at a low manufacturing cost, the present invention provides an alloy-based nano-crystal texture in which, in an alloy system having a composition deviating from the stoichiometric composition, and capable of forming an amorphous state, nano-scale crystals are arranged in an identical crystal orientation.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A metallic alloy containing nano-crystals smaller than 100 nanometers having an identical crystal orientation, said alloy having a composition which deviates from a stoichiometric composition toward easier production of a precipitate by about 1 to 5%.  
     
     
         2 . An alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein at least ten thousand of the nano-crystals have the identical orientation.  
     
     
         3 . An alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein said nano crystal has a diameter within a range of from about 10 to 60 nm and the crystal grain has a diameter within a range of from about 1 to 10 μm.  
     
     
         4 . An alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein said alloy is a Ti—Ni alloy, a Ti—Co alloy, a Ti—Al alloy or an Fe—Al alloy.  
     
     
         5 . An alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein said alloy is a Ti—Ni alloy, a Ti—Co alloy, a Ti—Al alloy or an Fe—Al alloy.  
     
     
         6 . A method of preparing an alloy-based nano-crystal texture in which, in an alloy capable of forming an amorphous state, nano-scale crystals are present as a crystal texture as arranged in an identical crystal orientation, comprising the step of heating an amorphous alloy at a temperature lower than the crystallization temperature.  
     
     
         7 . A method of preparing an alloy-based nano-crystal texture according to  claim 6 , wherein the composition deviates from the stoichiometric composition toward easier production of a precipitate by about 1 to 5%.