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.