Abstract Scope |
Biodegradable magnesium alloys combine the advantages of traditional metallic implants and biodegradable polymers, being non-toxic and having high strength, low density, and a stiffness ideal for bone fracture fixation. Recently, a series of magnesium-based alloys that possess advantageous characteristics over other bioresorbable alloys, such as slower degradation rates and minimal toxicity were developed with a stainless, self-passivating surface layer to control the corrosion behavior. These alloys utilized elemental additions that produced low formation enthalpy oxides as a protective layer. Models and experimental validation illustrate the feasibility of this approach to develop alloys with corrosion resistance as well as other properties of interest. |