The electrochemical evaluation of a Zr‐based bulk metallic glass in a phosphate‐buffered saline electrolyte

Abstract

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) represent an emerging class of materials with an amorphous structure and a unique combination of properties. The objectives of this investigation were to define the electrochemical behavior of a specific Zr-based BMG alloy in a physiologically relevant environment and to compare these properties to standard, crystalline biomaterials as well as other Zr-based BMG compositions. Cyclic-anodic-polarization studies were conducted with a Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10.0Ti5.0 (at %) BMG in a phosphate-buffered saline electrolyte with a physiologically relevant oxygen content at 37 degrees C. The results were compared to three common, crystalline biomaterials: CoCrMo, 316L stainless steel, and Ti-6Al-4V. The BMG alloy was found to have a lower corrosion penetration rate (CPR), as compared to the 316L stainless steel, and an equivalent CPR, as compared to the CoCrMo and Ti-6Al-4V alloys. Furthermore, the BMG alloy demonstrated better localized corrosion resistance than the 316L stainless steel. However, the localized corrosion resistance of the BMG alloy was not as high as those of the CoCrMo and Ti-6Al-4V alloys in the tested environment. The excellent electrochemical properties demonstrated by the BMG alloy are combined with a low modulus and unparalleled strength. This unique combination of properties dramatically demonstrates the potential for amorphous alloys as a new generation of biomaterials.

Corrosion Behavior of Cu<sub>60</sub>Zr<sub>30</sub>Ti<sub>10</sub> Metallic Glass in the Cl<sup>–</sup> Containing Solution

“…For example, Pd-Cu-Ni-P metallic glasses were used as die materials while Zr-based metallic glasses were used for sporting equipments. In addition, the metallic glasses have also been proposed for some biomedical applications [2,3]. For example, it can be used for making bone fracture fixation and hip arthroplasty components where a low modulus comparable to bone is critical to avoid stress shielding.…”

“…For example, it can be used for making bone fracture fixation and hip arthroplasty components where a low modulus comparable to bone is critical to avoid stress shielding. Furthermore, the superior strength would permit a smaller, less intrusive device that would be capable of withstanding the large forces generated within the skeletal system of the human body [2]. However, the applications of the metallic glasses require high chemical stability in various environments in order to ensure its lifetime.…”

Oxidation Behavior of Ca-Based Bulk Amorphous Materials

“…1,2,5,7-9,13-33) Favorable BMG properties are: high strength, fracture toughness, wear and corrosion resistance; 1,8,9,14,[16][17][18][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] low modulus, magnetic energy loss, etc. ; good impact toughness, formability, and fatigue limits; high hardness, ductility in compression, etc.. 1,[16][17][18]20,34,35) Improved BMG properties are due to a lack of grain boundaries, microstructures, long-range order, etc., and inherent structural and chemical homogeneities.…”

Formation and Biocompatibility of Ni-Free Zr<SUB>60</SUB>Nb<SUB>5</SUB>Cu<SUB>20</SUB>Fe<SUB>5</SUB>Al<SUB>10</SUB> Bulk Metallic Glass

“…Hiromoto et al [4][5][6] studied the effect of chloride-ion concentration, PH value, surface finishing and dissolved oxygen pressure on the polarization behavior of Zr 65 Cu 17:5 Ni 10 Al 7:5 metallic glass in phosphate buffered solution (PBS), and found that the glassy alloy exhibits a similar polarization resistance to pure titanium. On the other hand, Morrison et al 7,8) carried out a cyclic-anodicpolarization study on Zr 41:2 Ti 13:8 Ni 10 Cu 12:5 Be 22:5 BMG (Vit.1) in PBS solution, and revealed that Vit. 1 has a much lower corrosion penetration rate than 316 L stainless steal, but an equivalent value to Ti-6Al-4V alloy.…”