Deformation behavior, corrosion resistance, and cytotoxicity of Ni‐free Zr‐based bulk metallic glasses

Abstract

Two Ni-free bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) of Zr(60)Nb(5)Cu(22.5)Pd(5)Al(7.5) and Zr(60)Nb(5)Cu(20)Fe(5)Al(10) were successfully prepared by arc-melting and copper mold casting. The thermal stability and crystallization were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. It demonstrates that the two BMGs exhibit very good glass forming ability with a wide supercooled liquid region. A multi-step process of crystallization with a preferential formation of quasicrystals occurred in both BMGs under continuous heating. The deformation behavior of the two BMGs was investigated using quasi-static compression testing. It reveals that the BMGs exhibit not only superior strength but also an extended plasticity. Corrosion behaviors of the BMGs were investigated in phosphate buffered solution by electrochemical polarization. The result shows that the two BMGs exhibit excellent corrosion resistance characterized by low corrosion current densities and wide passive regions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the passive film formed after anodic polarization was highly enriched in zirconium, niobium, and aluminum oxides. This is attributed to the excellent corrosion resistance. Additionally, the potential cytotoxicity of the two Ni-free BMGs was evaluated through cell culture for 1 week followed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl-)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and SEM observation. The results indicate that the two Ni-free BMGs exhibit as good biocompatibility as Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and thus show a promising potential for biomedical applications.

Biocompatibility Study of Zirconium-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses for Orthopedic Applications

“…The observed biocompatibility can possibly be explained by the formation of highly corrosion-resistant and biocompatible oxides such as Zr oxide in a physiological environment. [9] The resulting stable oxide layer acts as a barrier in blocking the diffusion of toxic metal ions and therefore improving the overall cytotoxicity. [23] It could also be due to the good corrosion resistant property exhibited by BMGs.…”

“…Research has been reported on the general cytotoxicity of Zr-based BMGs using fibroblast cells. [8,9] The objective of this study was to investigate the application specific osteoblast cell growth and activity on a zirconium (Zr)-based BMG substrate, to compare the results to the most commonly used titanium alloy of Ti-6Al-4V, and to determine whether this BMG material deserves further detailed biological investigations and mechanistic studies. Specifically, the osteoblast cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and morphology were investigated.…”

Microstructure, mechanical property, corrosion behavior, and in vitro biocompatibility of Zr–Mo alloys

“…Meanwhile, the oxide itself shows bio-inertness and low solubility. 12,50,51 Mo is an essential trace element and the 150-500 lg/day level was estimated as adequate and safe for adults. 52 Based on previous cytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies of metals, Mo was classified as a low cytotoxic and safe element for living body.…”

In vitro study on Zr‐based bulk metallic glasses as potential biomaterials

“…As a result, nickel and beryllium free Zr-and Ti-based BMGs were considered. [10][11][12][13][14] However, these alloy systems have relatively lower glass-forming ability when compared with the multicomponent BMGs such as the ZrTiCuNiBe BMG series. Ni or Be elements are often necessary to enhance the glass formability as their use can introduce large atomic size difference when compared with other elements such as Zr.…”