Effects of Sr on the glass-forming ability and corrosion behaviour of Mg–Zn–Ca–Cu bulk metallic glass

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mg-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) is a biodegradable metal with significant potential advantages as an implant material. To investigate the effect of Sr addition on the glass-forming ability (GFA) and its effect on the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviours of Mg–Zn–Ca–Cu BMG, a series of Mg66-x Zn29.5Ca4Cu0.5Sr x (x = 0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 at.-%) were synthesised and investigated in this study. Microstructural characterisation, GFA and corrosion resistance measurements were carried out by XRD, DSC, SEM, immersion and electrochemical corrosion tests. The results showed that the addition of Sr improved the GFA and mechanical properties and enhanced and adjustable corrosion performance. In addition, the mechanical and corrosion property analyses showed that the Mg65.7Zn29.5Ca4Cu0.5Sr0.3 alloy exhibited the best mechanical properties and bio-corrosion resistance.