| Abstract Scope |
Lean magnesium-calcium (Mg-Ca) alloys are promising candidates for biodegradable orthopedic implants due to their biocompatibility and simplified chemistry. However, achieving an optimal balance between mechanical strength and corrosion resistance remains a key challenge. This study focuses on identifying processing routes that enhance both hardness and degradation resistance. We systematically investigate combinations of extrusion, equal channel angular pressing, rolling, and heat treatment to tailor the microstructure, hardness, and biocorrosion of binary Mg-Ca alloys. Among the combinations tested, extrusion with rolling and annealing offers a promising hardness-corrosion balance. Further studies suggest solutionizing as a key component of quickly achieving greater hardness. By testing and optimizing a variety of solutionizing, rolling, and annealing pathways, we seek to enhance the viability of lean Mg-Ca alloys through performance gains driven by processing improvements. This work highlights the central role of process design in advancing lean Mg alloys for clinical biodegradation applications. |