Distinctive Features and Fabrication Routes of Metallic-Glass Systems Designed for Different Engineering Applications: A Review

Abstract

Materials with a disordered atomic structure, often termed glassy materials, are the focus of extensive research due to the possibility of achieving remarkable mechanical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties compared to crystalline materials. The glassy materials are observed to have an improved elastic modulus combined with a higher strength and hardness. Moreover, better corrosion resistance in different mediums is also observed for glassy solids, which is difficult to attain using conventional crystalline materials. As a result, the potential applications of metallic-glass systems are continually increasing. Amorphous materials are usually divided into two categories based upon their size. Materials with a thickness and diameter larger than the millimeter (mm) scale are termed as bulk metallic glass (BMG). However, the brittle nature of the bulk-sized samples restricts the size of metallic-glass systems to the micron (µm) or nanometer (nm) range. Metallic glasses with a specimen size in the scale of either µm or nm are defined as thin-film metallic glass (TFMG). In this review, BMGs and TFMGs are termed as metallic glass or MG. A large number of multi-component MGs and their compositional libraries reported by different research groups are summarized in this review. The formation of a multicomponent metallic glass depends on the constituent elements and the fabrication methods. To date, different unique fabrication routes have been adopted to fabricate BMG and TFMGs systems. An overview of the formation principles and fabrication methods as well as advantages and limitations of conventional MG fabrication techniques is also presented. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of MG inherent properties, such as glass forming ability, and structural, mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and electrochemical properties, and a survey of their potential applications are also described.

Surface engineering of pure magnesium in medical implant applications

“…Of particular note is that, in comparison to crystalline coatings or films, non-crystalline films theoretically possess superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Non-crystalline alloys, commonly referred to as metallic glasses, exhibit an internal atomic arrangement characterized by short-range order and long-range disorder [ [250] , [251] , [252] ]. Non-crystalline alloys have garnered significant attention due to their excellent physical and chemical properties, including high strength, high storing elasticity [ 253 ], and corrosion resistance [ 254 ].…”

Acid Treatments of Ti-Based Metallic Glasses for Improving Corrosion Resistance in Implant Applications

“…[1][2][3]. The applicability of BMGs has been further enhanced by the utilization of innovative fabrication and processing methods, such as sputter techniques [4], additive manufacturing [5,6] or thermoplastic forming [7,8]. These techniques help to overcome limitations in the dimensions and shape of glassy parts that exist when applying conventional rapid quenching and casting routes.…”

“…However, these and other (Ni, Al, Be-free) bulk-glass forming Ti-based alloys comprise high Cu contents, typically exceeding 30 at.% [4,10,11]. This poses challenges concerning their biocompatibility in terms of cytocompatibility and corrosion resistance.…”

Fabrication of Dimples by Jet-ECM of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses with NaCl-Ethylene Glycol Electrolyte

“…Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BGMs) are an amorphous alloy fabricated under an ultra-cold solidification condition, and they possess a high glass-forming ability. Due to their distinctive microstructure, Zr-based BMGs exhibit superior characteristics compared to traditional materials, including excellent magnetic properties, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hardness and toughness [1]. Moreover, the adjustment and control of the surface properties of BMGs to enhance their practical applications have been a subject of ongoing attention [2].…”