Distinct plastic strain of Ni-free Ti-Zr-Cu-Pd-Nb bulk metallic glasses with potential for biomedical applications

(Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14)100−xNbx (x = 1, 3, 5 at.%) bulk metallic glasses containing nano-particles exhibited ultrahigh strength and distinct plastic strain. The yield strength exceeding 2050 MPa, Young's modulus of about 80 GPa and the plastic strain of over 6.5% were obtained for 1% and 3% Nb-added alloys due to the suppression of the propagation of shear bands by nano-particles in situ formed in the glassy matrix. The developed Ni-free Ti-based bulk metallic glasses with low Young's modulus and good mechanical properties are promising candidates for application as artificial dental root materials and other biomaterials.