Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys as Degradable Metallic Biomaterials

Abstract

Drawbacks associated with permanent metallic implants lead to the search for degradable metallic biomaterials. Magnesium alloys have been highly considered as Mg has a high biocorrosion potential and is essential to bodies. In this study, corrosion behaviour of pure magnesium and magnesium alloy AZ31 in both static and dynamic physiological conditions (Hank’s solution) has been investigated. It is found that the materials degrade fast at beginning, then stabilize after 5 days of immersion. High purity in the materials reduces the corrosion rate while the dynamic condition accelerates the degradation process. In order to slow down the degradation process to meet the requirement for their bio-applications, an anodized coating is applied and is proved as effective in controlling the biodegradation rate.