Microstructure, in Vitro Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of porous Magnesium-Zinc Nanocomposite Scaffolds

Due to good biocompatibility, corrosion and mechanical properties, magnesium (Mg) is considered promising degradable material for orthopedic applications. In this work, Mg-MgZnx (x= 1, 2, 3 and 4) nanocomposites scaffolds with different porosities were synthesized via powder metallurgy method. The microstructure, composition, in vitro corrosion and mechanical properties of porous magnesium-zinc nanocomposite scaffolds were investigated. The XRD results indicated the formed nano particles consist of MgZn and MgZn2 intermetallics. The SEM micrographs proved that Mg-Zn intermetallics nano particles with round morphology and size of 20–50 nm are homogenously dispersed in the Mg matrix. The results showed that the addition of Zn element increases the tensile strength and Young,s modulus. Also, Mg-MgZn and Mg-MgZn2 nanocomposites scaffolds synthesized improved the in vitro anti-corrosion property of the Mg. The best unti-corrosion property is obtained with 3% Zn and further increase of Zn content up 4% deteriorates the corrosion property. All the results suggest that the Mg-MgZnx nanocomposites scaffolds have the potential to serve as degradable implants for bone substitute applications.