Antibacterial effect of surface-modified Zr50Cu50 metallic glass

Zr-based metallic glasses generally have an amorphous zirconium oxide film that strongly inhibits further oxidation. However, surface defects may deteriorate the glass stability of the amorphous oxide film, leading to the formation of a thick natural oxide layer. In this study, we demonstrated that the change in the oxidation behavior of a melt-spun Zr50Cu50 metallic glass foil caused by the surface casting defects on its wheel side can lead to a dramatic improvement in antibacterial properties. The superior antibacterial properties of the wheel side was attributed to the metallic Cu islands exposed on the surface.