A plastic Ni-free Zr-based bulk metallic glass with high specific strength and good corrosion properties in simulated body fluid

The mechanical properties at room temperature and the corrosion behavior in simulated body fluid (PBS) at 37 °C of a Ni-free Zr62.3Cu22.5Fe4.9Al6.8Ag3.5 bulk metallic glass (BMG) were investigated. This BMG exhibits a good room temperature plasticity of 8%, a yield strain of 1.9% and a high fracture strength of about 1800 MPa. Interestingly, the novel Zr-rich BMG possesses a specific strength (σ/ρ) of about 280 MPa cm3/g higher than that of conventional biomedical Ti6Al4V alloy and 316 L stainless steel. In addition, this alloy also has a high corrosion resistance with a low corrosion penetration rate in simulated body fluids (PBS). The present Ni-free Zr-rich BMG with a critical diameter above 1 cm, together with the high specific strength, large plasticity and good corrosion resistance in PBS, has excellent potential in biomedical applications.

► The mechanical and bio-corrosion properties of a Zr-based glassy alloy were investigated.
► This Zr-based glassy alloy possesses a high specific strength of about 280 MPa cm3/g.
► This Zr-based alloy has a low corrosion penetration rate in simulated body fluids.
► The present Ni-free Zr-rich alloy has a good potential in biomedical applications.