Improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg-based bulk metallic glass composite by coating with Zr-based metallic glass thin film

Mg-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) and its composite (BMGC) can be excellent candidates as lightweight structure materials, but lack of anti-corrosion ability may restrict their application. In order to enhance the natural weak point of Mg-based BMGC, a 200-nm thick Zr-based metallic glass thin film (MGTF) ((Zr₅₃Cu₃₀Ni₉Al₈)_99.5Si_0.5) was applied and its mechanical properties as well as its corrosion resistance were appraised. The results of a 3-point bending test revealed that the flexural strength of the Mg-based BMGC with 200-nm thick Zr-based MGTF coating can be greatly enhanced from 180 to 254 MPa. We propose that the Zr-based MGTF coating can help to cover any small defects of a substrate surface, provide a protecting layer to prevent stress concentration, and cease crack initiation from the specimen surface during bending tests. Moreover, the results of anti-corrosion behavior analysis revealed a similar trend between the Mg-based BMG, Mg-based BMGC, and Mg-based BMGC with Zr-based MGTF coating in 0.9 wt.% sodium chloride solution. The readings show a positive effect with the Zr-based MGTF coating. Therefore, the 200-nm thick Zr-based MGTF coating is a promising solution to provide protection for both mechanical and anti-corrosion behaviors of Mg-based BMGC and reinforce its capability as structure material in island environments.