Magnesium-β-tricalcium phosphate composites as a potential orthopedic implant: A mechanical/damping/immersion perspective

Abstract

The design and development of novel magnesium-based materials with suitable alloying elements and bio-ceramic reinforcements can act as a possible solution to the ever-increasing demand of high performance bioresorbable orthopedic implant. In the current study, Mg-β-tricalcium phosphate composites are synthesized using the hybrid powder metallurgy technique, followed by hot extrusion. The influence of addition of (0.5, 1, and 1.5) vol % β-tricalcium phosphate on the mechanical, damping, and immersion characteristics of pure magnesium are studied. The addition of β-tricalcium phosphate enhanced the yield strength, ultimate compressive strength, and compressive fracture strain of pure magnesium by about ~34%, ~53%, and ~22%, respectively. Also, Mg 1.5 vol % β-tricalcium phosphate composite exhibited a ~113% enhancement in the damping characteristics when compared to pure magnesium. A superior ~70% reduction in the grain size was observed by the addition of 1.5 vol % β-tricalcium phosphate particles to pure Mg. The response of Mg-β-tricalcium phosphate composites is studied under the influence of chloride environment using Hanks’ balanced salt solution. The dynamic passivation was realized faster for the composite samples as compared to pure Mg, which resulted in decreased corrosion rates with the addition of β-tricalcium phosphate particles to pure Mg. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.