The scratch characteristics of laser nitrided Zr-based metallic glass surface

Improving the surface hardness and tribological characteristics of metallic glasses (MGs) is meaningful for their applications as surface contact materials. In this study, nanosecond laser nitriding was performed on Zr-based MG to improve its surface properties. Three types of laser nitrided surfaces with different hardness were prepared, and their tribological characteristics were systematically investigated by means of the scratch test. The experimental results indicated that compared with the as-cast MG, the hardness of these three laser nitrided surfaces was increased by 47.94%, 114.56%, and 171.99%, and their coefficients of friction were reduced by 29.12%, 65.05%, and 71.84%, respectively. Furthermore, the residual scratches and surrounding chips exhibited various features under different conditions, and the scratch damage mechanisms were analyzed accordingly.