Sliding friction and wear mechanisms of Cu36Zr48Ag8Al8 bulk metallic glass under different sliding conditions: dry sliding, deionized water, and NaOH corrosive solutions.

The tribological behaviors of the high-performance Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 bulk metallic glass (BMG) under dry-sliding, deionized water and NaOH solution conditions were systematically investigated and the corresponding wear mechanisms were revealed via analyzing the chemical composition and topography of wear track. The results illustrate that the Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG exhibits tribological properties superior to those of 316 stainless steel under different friction conditions, especially in a NaOH solution. During friction sliding, the formation of uniform and continuous metal-oxide layers on the surface can enhance its wear resistance and protect it from further corrosion by OH−. Furthermore, the NaOH solution and the dissolved products on the frictional surface form fluid-lubricating films, which may also reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of the material. • Self–mated CuZr–based BMG present low friction and wear rate under NaOH conditions. • The formation of metal oxides layers and fluid lubricating films improve properties. • Corrosion resistance benefit from amorphous structure and metal oxide layers. • Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG exhibit good environmental adaptability under NaOH conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]