Cai Chu-Ning's work has been accepted by Intermetallics. Congratulations.

Abstract:

In this study, the application of a Ni-free Zr_60.14Cu_22.31Fe_4.85Al_9.7Ag₃ thin film metallic glass (TFMG) was examined as an approach to retard the poor tribological properties of Ti-alloys for dental applications. TFMGs were coated on biomedical Ti6Al4V substrate by single-target magnetron sputtering. The fretting resistance was assessed by using a reciprocating tribo-tester against Si₃N₄ counterpart in air and in artificial saliva. Bio-corrosion resistance of TFMG-coated Ti6Al4V was tested via electrochemical polarizations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in artificial saliva. Biocompatibility of the TFMG was tested in vitro in comparison with that of Ti6Al4V alloy. The results showed that this TFMG not only possessed 1.8-2.8 times higher fretting resistance than Ti6Al4V alloy under various tribological conditions, but also lower bio-corrosion rate and superior passive film. In-vitro assessments of cytotoxicity and cell adhesion indicated that this Zr-based TFMG has no any cytotoxicity and well-flattened cell adhesion morphology, as good as the Ti6Al4V alloy. The Ni-free Zr-based TFMG is expected to improve the lifetime and quality of biomedical implants or devices for dental applications.