Core-shell Mg₆₆Zn₃₀Ca₄ bulk metallic glasses composites reinforced by Fe with high strength and controllable degradation

Mg–Zn–Ca bulk metallic glasses have emerged as a new biodegradable metal due to the excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility. In this study, we prepared nano Fe particles reinforced Mg₆₆Zn₃₀Ca₄ bulk metallic glass composites via spark plasma sintering. Nano Fe particles covered on the surface of Mg₆₆Zn₃₀Ca₄ glassy powder and formed a core-shell microstructure. We investigated the influence of different contents of Fe on strength and electrochemical behavior of the sintered composites. The strength increased from 574 MPa to 765 MPa with different contents of Fe. Moreover, with the addition Fe, the standard potential of Mg–Zn–Ca bulk metallic glasses improved 0.10 V and 0.14 V in Hank's and Saliva solutions, respectively. Thus, both of strength and corrosion resistance have significantly enhanced with the addition of Fe. In vitro cells experiment also proved that the materials are non-toxic, and it's beneficial to cells proliferation by adding Fe nanoparticles. The Fe@Mg₆₆Zn₃₀Ca₄ BMG composites with high strength and controllable degradation can be considered a promising candidate for degradable implant materials.