The properties of hot rolled binary magnesium calcium alloy for use as a biodegradable material within bone

Abstract

Binary Mg-Ca alloys with various Ca contents were fabricated under controlled condition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and optical microscopy observations showed that Mg-Ca (x= 1-5 wt %) alloys were composed of two phases, a (Mg) and MgzCa. The results of hardness test and in vitro corrosion tests indicated that the mechanical properties could be adjusted by controlling the Ca content and processing treatment. Increasing Ca results in higher corrosion rate and hardness. In spite of higher hardness, low Ca content materials were selected due to lower corrosion rate. The corrosion test in simulated body fluid (SBF) indicated that temperature and thickness reduction strongly affected the corrosion behaviours. In the vitro, corrosion suggested that a mixture of Mg (OH)2 and hydroxyapatite formed on the surface of Mg-ICa alloy with the extension of immersion period time of 100h.. Corrosion resistance fluctuated at different temperatures and thickness reduction as a result of electrochemical, immersion and weight loss testing.