Processing and microstructural and mechanical characterization of the biodegradable alloy Mg-4,8Y-2,8Gd-0,7Zr (% mass) for biomedical applications

Abstract

Metal alloys are commonly applied in biomedical applications when properties like high strength and high fracture toughness are required. For this class of materials, stainless steel, titanium and cobalt-chrome alloys are the most used today. However, these alloys may exhibit limitations for certain applications, especially in situations when the biodegradation of the implant is desired. These limitations make room for the search of materials more suitable for this, and magnesium and its alloys have been presented promising properties as a good biocompatibility, an exceptional corrosion rate and a Young's modulus closer to that of human bone, in addition high strength and stiffness, after appropriate processing. These alloys also have better mechanical properties, which are critical for applications such as bone implants and stents, when are compared to commonly applied biodegradable ceramics and polymers. Researches involving magnesium alloys have shown that alloys composed by zirconium and rare earths metals exhibit desirable mechanical properties to biomedical applications. Through this research it will be defined appropriates processing conditions and basic properties about the Mg-4,8Y-2,8Gd-0,7Zr (% weigth) alloy, which shall be obtained from tensile, compression and hardness testings, and microstructural characterization. The in-depth study about this alloy will make it possible to optimize its properties, considering its potential for use as biodegradable implants. (AU)