β Zr–Nb–Ti–Mo–Sn alloys with low Young׳s modulus and low magnetic susceptibility optimized via a cluster-plus-glue-atom model

Abstract The multi-element Zr-based bio-alloys are optimized for reaching lower Young׳s modulus and magnetic susceptibility by introducing the cluster-plus-glue-atom model to realize the composition design. A general cluster formulas of [(Mo,Sn)–(Zr,Ti) 14 ]Nb x ( x =1, 3) was obtained from the model and alloy rods with a diameter of 3 mm were prepared by copper-mold suction-casting processing. The β structural stabilities of the designed alloys were studied by the valence electron concentration ( VEC ). Among the β-Zr alloys, the [(Mo 0.5 Sn 0.5 )–Zr 14 ]Nb 1 (Zr 87.5 Nb 6.25 Mo 3.13 Sn 3.13 at%) and [(Mo 0.5 Sn 0.5 )–(Zr 13 Ti)]Nb 1 (Zr 81.25 Nb 6.25 Ti 6.25 Mo 3.13 Sn 3.13 at%) alloys, corresponding to the lower β stability limit, display lower Young׳s moduli (77–79 GPa), lowest magnetic susceptibilities (2.12×10 −6 –2.13×10 −6  cm 3  g −1 ), as well as higher Vickers hardness (288–311 HV).