Biodegradable Magnesium Matrix Composite for Orthopaedic Implant Applications Fabrication and Characterization

Abstract

Magnesium and its alloys have garnered significant attention recently owing to similar properties of cortical bone and biodegradable properties, which overcome drawbacks such as revision surgery to remove currently used bioinert implants after bone healing, preventingany adverse effects. However, magnesium and its alloys quickly corrode in a physiological environment, causing a loss of integrity before bone regeneration can occur. Considering this, biodegradable novel Mg-Hopeite composites were fabricated with suitable corrosion rates using friction stir processing (FSP), a solid-state process. FSP refining of the grain size of the matrix phase is an additional feature of the composite, which enhances corrosion resistance due to more stable protecting layers formed on the composite surface. This research aims to fabrication of novel Mg-Hopeite composites by FSP; comparative studies between Mg-Hopeite composite, FSP Mg, and pure Mg; comparative studies of the effect of the number of passes between 1 pass, 2 passes, and 3 passes Mg-Hopeite composite along with pure Mg; comparative studies between the impact of Hopeite contents such as 5 vol.%, 10 vol.%, and 20 vol.% Hopeite in Mg-Hopeite composite along with pure Mg. Bioactivity tests were done in simulated body fluid (SBF) to see if the composites could form a stable newlineapatite layer, a mineral found in bones that interacts with living tissues. The corrosion rates were measured using electrochemical and immersion tests. newline