Investigation of mechanical, corrosion and optical properties of an 18 carat Au–Cu–Si–Ag–Pd bulk metallic glass

The following article shows that amorphous gold based alloys are a promising material for jewelry applications. Specimens in form of amorphous plates were investigated with respect to their processibility and properties that are relevant for jewelry applications. Studies included thermophysical analysis, corrosion and mechanical behavior and spectrophotometric experiments. Compared to fine gold and traditional gold alloys, the most outstanding results were a hardness of up to 360 HV and a superior abrasion resistance of the 18 carat bulk metallic glass. Electrochemical corrosion tests revealed a dissolution rate similar to fine gold.