Glass transition and crystallization kinetics analysis of Sb–Se–Ge chalcogenide glasses

Abstract

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) has been employed to investigate the effect of Ge addition on the glass transition behavior and crystallization kinetics of Sb10Se90-xGex (x = 0, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27) alloys. The three characteristic temperatures viz. glass transition (Tg), crystallization (Tc), and melting (Tm) have been determined and found to vary with the heating rates and Ge content. Thermal stability and glass forming tendency have been evaluated in terms of DT (= Tc - Tg) and reduced glass transition temperature. The activation energies for glass transition and crystallization have been used to analyze the nucleation and growth process. The activation energy analysis also determines the suitability of alloys to be used in switching applications. Results have been interpreted in terms of bond energies and structural transformations in the investigated alloys.