Bio-compatible Zirconium-based thin film metallic glasses with nitrogen reinforced by micro-alloying technique

Abstract In this study, a brand new compositional combination of Zr-Ti-Si-N thin film metallic glasses (TFMGs) was successfully demonstrated that, showing novel properties, such as no grain boundaries that help to decrease the coefficient of friction, to enhance hardness and modulus; especially its non-toxic, and bio-compatible behaviours. Zirconium, Titanium, and Silicon as non-toxic agents were chosen to form TFMGs according to its atomic radius and electro-negativity. Micro-alloying technique was applied to well blend elements through multi-target sputtering with superior cooling rate to enhance thin films remaining in amorphous state. This provides the ability to create TFMGs with good mechanical properties and bio-compatibility. Futher more, Nitrogen was introduced as the fourth dopant to increase the glass forming ability and improve the stability in order to enhance its mechanical performance as good as traditional Zr-Cu-Ni-Al TFMGs. The evaluation of cytotoxicity test was cultered with Escherichia coli (E-Coli) by observing the shapes and survival numbers to detect if the metallic ions contained toxicity released. The in-vitro bio-compatibility test was applied by co-culturing with human skeletal muscles. Through observing the adhesion and complete coverage of human skeletal muscles, the potentiality and possibility of Zr-Ti-Si-N TFMG can be figured out and used for medical implanting applications.