Magnesium alloys as biodegradable implants

Abstract

In this study, an attempt was made to enhance the degradation resistance of magnesium alloys for potential biodegradable implant applications through surface treatment. AZ91 magnesium alloy was taken as the test sample and was alkali-treated for two different periods of time and then the in vitro degradation behaviour of the alloy was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization techniques in simulated body fluid. The study suggests that alkali-treatment reduces the degradation rate in AZ91 magnesium alloy.