Effects of environment on the sliding tribological behaviors of Zr-based bulk metallic glass

► The tribological behavior of Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 BMG was studied using pin-on-disk tests in three different environments. ► The wear of the BMG is more sensitive to oxygen than moisture in the environment. ► The wear rate of the BMG decreases dramatically with decreasing environmental oxygen content. ► In oxygen-containing environments, abrasive wear-controlled process occurs. ► Mild sliding wear is the main mechanism in the tests conducted in an oxygen-free environment.