Search

Abstract: The biocorrosion behavior of a magnesium alloy in two simulated body solutions, Hank''s solution and simulated blood plasma (SBP) solution was investigated by electrochemical and weight loss testing for biomedical application. The solution volume/surface area (SV/SA) ratio was changed to reveal the effect of immersion condition on the biocorrosion behavior. A same tendency was observed in the corrosion rate of magnesium alloy in all testing conditions: a high corrosion rate at the initial stage, and rapid decrease in the first 2–3 days followed by a stable corrosion rate in the following stage. A higher corrosion rate was observed in Hank''s solution than in SBP solution due to high Cl−, low Ca2+ and PO4 3− concentration in Hank''s solution. However, no difference in the surface reaction product was observed between the samples immersed in Hank''s solution and in SBP solution. It was found that the SV/SA ratio significantly affected the corrosion rate of magnesium alloy. Low ratio resulted in a high pH, which resisted the corrosion. But when the ratio was high enough, 6.7 for example, the influence was negligible. By changing the ratio, the biocorrosion behavior of magnesium implant in different implantation sites can be simulated, for example, low ratio for the case of in muscle and high ratio for the case of in marrow cavity. It is suggested that selection of the simulated solution and the SV/SA ratio would be very necessary to simulate different the in-vivo biodegradation behavior of magnesium in different implantation environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mn and Zn were selected to develop a Mg–Zn–Mn magnesium alloy for biomedical application due to the good biocompatibility of Zn and Mn elements. Microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion properties and biocompatibility of the Mg–Zn–Mn alloys have been investigated by use of optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, tensile testing, and blood hemolysis and cell toxicity. Microstructure observation has shown that the addition of Zn and the extrusion significantly refined the grain size of both the as-cast and the extruded magnesium alloys, which mainly contributes to the high tensile strength and good elongation. Polarization test has shown Zn could accelerate the formation of a passivation film, which provides good protection to the magnesium alloy against simulate body fluid. Cell culture and hemolysis tests have shown that the magnesium alloy did not have cell toxicity, showing good cytocompatibility, but the alloy caused hemolysis to blood system. It was suggested that surface modification have to be adopted to improve the blood compatibility of the magnesium alloy for the application in blood environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]