Formation and properties of Ti-based Ti–Zr–Cu–Fe–Sn–Si bulk metallic glasses with different (Ti + Zr)/Cu ratios for biomedical application

Ti-based Ti–Zr–Cu–Fe–Sn–Si bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) free from highly toxic elements Ni and Be were developed as promising biomaterials. The influence of (Ti + Zr)/Cu ratio on glass-formation, thermal stability, mechanical properties, bio-corrosion resistance, surface wettability and biocompatibility were investigated. In the present Ti-based BMG system, the Ti₄₇Zr_7.5Cu₄₀Fe_2.5Sn₂Si₁ glassy alloy exhibited the highest glass forming ability (GFA) corresponding to the largest supercooled liquid region, and a glassy rod with a critical diameter of 3 mm was prepared by copper-mold casting. The Ti-based BMGs possess high compressive strength of 2014–2185 MPa and microhardness of 606–613 Hv. Young's modulus of the Ti₄₇Zr_7.5Cu₄₀Fe_2.5Sn₂Si₁ glassy alloy was about 100 GPa, which is slightly lower than that of Ti–6Al–4V alloy. The Ti₄₇Zr_7.5Cu₄₀Fe_2.5Sn₂Si₁ glassy alloy with high GFA exhibited high bio-corrosion resistance, and good surface hydrophilia and cytocompatibility. The mechanisms for glass formation as well as the effect of (Ti + Zr)/Cu ratio on bio-corrosion behavior and biocompatibility are discussed.