Effect of Ag and Cu additions on antibacterial performance of Fe-based amorphous alloys

Abstract

Fe-based amorphous alloys exhibit good mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, making them promising biomedical materials. However, their antibacterial performance requires improvement. This study investigates the effect of adding Ag and Cu to Fe-based amorphous alloys to enhance antibacterial properties. Three alloy samples, Fe₈₅Si₂B₉P₃C₁, Fe₈₄Si₂B₉P₃C₁Ag₁, and Fe₈₄Si₂B₉P₃C₁Cu₁, were prepared using single-roll ribbon spinning technology. The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of these samples were compared with commercial 316L stainless steel (SS). Potentiodynamic polarization tests in Hank’s solution (pH = 7.4) and artificial saliva (pH = 6.3) revealed that adding Cu slightly reduced corrosion resistance, while Ag significantly improved it. The corrosion resistance of the amorphous alloys was better than 316L SS. Ion release tests showed that Ag and Cu alloys released Ag and Cu ions, respectively, in addition to Fe ions, with Ag showing the highest concentration. Antibacterial tests indicated that adding Ag or Cu, especially Ag, significantly improved antibacterial performance, achieving a 99.83% inhibition rate.