Cu-Zr-Ti-Al metallic glass: Thermodynamic prediction, synthesis, and biocorrosion studies

Abstract

In this study, glass forming composition (GFC) in Cu-Zr-Ti-Al system was predicted using thermodynamic guidelines involved model. The GFC was predicted by optimizing the enthalpy of chemical mixing and mismatch entropy in a statistically designed configurational entropy range. As designed composition Cu46Zr40Ti8.5Al5.5, close to eutectic point, was synthesized into metallic glass by melt spun technique. The amorphous nature of metallic glass was verified using XRD, DSC and TEM. The material was subjected to corrosion studies in simulated body fluids (SBF) at 37 °C using electrochemical polarization technique. The material has exhibited better corrosion resistance in comparison to conventional biomaterials. Enhanced corrosion resistance is attributed to amorphous nature of the material and stable passive film predominately containing ZrO2, Al2O3 and AlOOH. Further, it was observed that the substitution of Cu with Al and Zr in Cu-Zr-Ti metallic glass enhances the corrosion resistance in SBF.