On the reflectivity and antibacterial/antifungal responses of Al-Ni-Y optical thin film metallic glass composites

It has been demonstrated that the Al-Ni-Y based thin film metallic glass composites (TFMGCs) can provide high optical reflectivity, especially over the UV regime, suitable for various optical devices such as optical coating or as functional layer. When such optical devices are applied in humid environment which is sensitive to bacteria or fungus, the antibacterial or antifungal capability needs to be explored. In this study, the microstructural evolution, surface roughness, hardness, optical reflectivity, and antimicrobial/antifungal responses of the Al-Ni-Y based films are overall reported. It is demonstrated that the current Al-Ni-Y TFMGCs can exhibit satisfactory UV reflection, as well as highly promising antibacterial or antifungal capability.