Crystallographic characterisation of crystalline defects in Ti-based metallic glass: influence of stress and temperature

The BMG Ti40Cu36Zr10Pd14 grade has already been demonstrated as a material with very high potential for biomedical applications [1], [2] (mainly the manufacturing of dental implants). However, recently the presence of crystalline defects (called ‘spherulite’) has been observed in this alloy and it now appears essential to know the actual 3D distribution of spherulites in the manufactured parts. Indeed, we believe there is a critical spherulite diameter beyond which the parts break prematurely with a fully brittle behavior.. This synchrotron experiment should give us elements to rule on the influence of spherulites on mechanical strength and they should give us clues as to the cooling rates to be reached or the heat treatment to control their size/distribution. This study is intended to overcome the technical barriers to the development of this grade for the manufacture of implants on an industrial scale.