Characteristics of as-cast and forged biodegradable Mg-Ca binary alloy immersed in Kokubo simulated body fluid

Abstract

Biodegradable implant is an alternative to metallic implant and has the advantage of not being necessary to remove once the fracture has healed. Magnesium is particularly desirable since it is biocompatible and has a modulus of elasticity closer to bone. In addition, it shows ability to biodegrade in situ, when used as an implant material. In this research, different percentages of calcium were added to magnesium during melting of the alloy. A selected alloy was forged at different parameters. Both as cast and forged alloys were subjected to polarization test performed in Kokubo simulated body fluid. Immersion test in the fluid was conducted for 96 hours to investigate the formation, growth and morphology of the hydroxyapatite on the surface of the alloys. The results showed that similar electrochemical behaviour took place in the alloys regardless of the calcium content. However, an increase in corrosion rate was observed with increasing calcium content. It was also observed that forging process decreased the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Furthermore, increasing calcium content accelerated the growth of bone-like apatite in the alloy.