Differences in structure and dynamics of ternary Pd–Ni-based bulk metallic glasses containing sulfur or phosphorous

The composition Pd${}_{31}$Ni${}_{42}$S${}_{27}$ has been shown to be the best glass former in the family of recently discovered glass forming PdNiS alloys. In this study, this sample system was systematically investigated using fluctuation- and correlation electron microscopy of which the results are compared to a Pd${}_{40}$Ni${}_{40}$P${}_{20}$ bulk metallic glass that serves as a model system for metallic glasses. Strong differences in the local atomic correlations beyond the short-range order were observed, which are assumed to be a reason for their discrepancy in thermal stability. The relaxation dynamics at room temperature revealed faster dynamics in the sulfur-containing Pd${}_{31}$Ni${}_{42}$S${}_{27}$ glass.