Elasticity of Amorphous Alloys

Atomic disorder leads to unique elastic properties

Elasticity in amorphous metals is a key distinguishing feature that sets them apart from crystalline materials. Due to their unique disordered atomic structure, amorphous metals exhibit exceptional elastic properties, making them highly valuable for a wide range of applications.

One notable characteristic of amorphous metals is their ability to undergo substantial elastic elongation, exhibiting an impressive elastic strain of nearly 2 %. The high elastic limit enables them to deform and recover elastically over a wide range, allowing them to effectively absorb and release large amounts of energy.

The absence of grain boundaries and dislocation motion in amorphous metals result in a more uniform distribution of stress during deformation. This uniform response to applied stresses contributes to their ability to withstand mechanical load, making them particularly suitable for applications where reliability and predictability are critical.

The elasticity of amorphous metals is advantageous in various applications, including:

medical implants, where it contributes to impact resistance and energy absorption,
sensors due to increased sensitivity,
flexure joints for resilience,
structural components requiring vibration control,
resilient components such as springs and flexible connectors, particularly in the context of miniaturization.

Outstanding elastic properties of amorphous metals

Explore the diverse advantages that amorphous metals offer in various industrial sectors, as well as their suitable applications

Amorphous alloys in medical technology

The use of amorphous metals offers promising solutions to address the challenges in personalized implant, orthopedic, and medical device manufacturing. With biomechanical properties such as low elasticity modulus and high yield strength, as well as certified biocompatibility, amorphous metals show potential for improved patient care. Applications range from implants in the spine, dentistry, and traumatology to medical devices and surgical instruments.

Amorphous alloys in lifestyle products

New classes of materials are interesting not only because of their uniqueness in high-end watches, but also because of their suitability in the search for materials for future technologies such as wearables. Here, the most sensitive technologies can be efficiently protected in miniaturized space and the housing design can be perfected. Lifestyle components made of amorphous metals are not only highly corrosion-resistant due to their biocompatibility, but also antibacterial and thus enable pleasant skin contact due to their low thermal conductivity and high surface quality.

Amorphous alloys in robotics and aerospace

In the aerospace industry, amorphous metals offer key advantages for components, including high strength, geometric design flexibility, and corrosion resistance. They are also low-temperature ductile and exhibit good fatigue strength, making them ideal for space applications. In high-tech applications, amorphous alloys solve the limitations of conventional materials by providing high strength and elasticity, enabling the efficient use of elastic machine elements like bending joints, hinges, gripper units, and spring components with long component life and wear resistance.