Corrosion performance and metal ion release of amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe-based alloys under simulated body fluid conditions

The corrosion performance of Fe55−xCr18Mo7B16C4Nbx (x=0 and 3 at%) amorphous and nanocrystalline ribbons in Ringer and 0.9% NaCl+HCl solutions open to air at 37 °C, was investigated by electrochemical polarization analysis, aiming to estimate the feasibility of alloys as potential biomaterials. It was indicated that the both Fe52Cr18Mo7B16C4Nb3 amorphous and nanocrystalline ribbons have higher corrosion resistance value than that of 316L stainless steel. Besides, the results showed that the amorphous ribbons have larger polarization resistance value than that of nanocrystalline alloys under the same condition. Interestingly, the results of the inductively coupled plasma apparatus showed that all the samples do not release any significant ions into the Ringer’s solution, while there are very few ions releasing into the aqueous 0.9% NaCl+HCl solution for amorphous alloys compared to nanocrystalline alloys and 316L stainless steel.

► Higher corrosion resistance of the Fe-based amorphous alloys than that of nanocrystalline counterparts and 316L SS.
► Improving the corrosion resistance of alloys by adding Nb.
► Negligible metal ions release from amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe-Based metallic glasses in simulated body fluid conditions.