Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys for Personalised Temporary Implants.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Developing personalized, temporary biodegradable implants is crucial for medical applications.
• Magnesium alloys offer promising biocompatibility and biodegradability for orthopedic implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the production of temporary biodegradable personalized implants from Mg-10Zn-0.5Zr-0.8Ca alloy.
• To characterize the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of the alloy processed via selective laser melting (SLM).

Main Methods:

• Mechanical alloying was used to produce the Mg alloy powder.
• Selective laser melting (SLM) was employed for 3D additive manufacturing of implants.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compression testing, and corrosion tests were performed for characterization.

Main Results:

• The Mg-10Zn-0.5Zr-0.8Ca alloy was successfully processed using SLM.
• Microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion properties were evaluated.
• Demonstrative temporary implants were fabricated with optimal SLM parameters.
• Compression test results approached those of human bone.
• Corrosion resistance was comparable to the commercial ZK60 magnesium alloy.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical alloying combined with SLM is a viable method for 3D additive manufacturing of personalized temporary biodegradable magnesium implants.
• The developed implants exhibit favorable mechanical and corrosion properties for potential clinical use.