Fabrication, properties and in vitro study of Magnesium/ Zinc/ Bioglass composite fabricated by powder metallurgy method

Abstract

The development of metallic biomaterials becomes a major research activity especially for load bearing implants in the orthopaedic applications. Currently, commercially pure titanium and its alloy, cobalt-based alloys and stainless steel are common metallic materials used as implants and they are grouped as bio-inert materials. One of the main important research topics in development of biomaterials is how to combine bioactive, biodegradable and bio-inert materials. The aim of this research is to fabricate high corrosion resistance of biocomposite, high bioactivity response and compressive strength close to the natural bone for biomedical application. Seven different compositions of composites were fabricated using Mg, Zn and bioglass powders. Bioglass weight percentage was varied from 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30wt. %. The raw materials were mixed for 1 hour using a roll mill machine at 140 rpm. The composites were compacted using a hydraulic hand press machine at 500 MPa. Sintering process was done for 3 hours at 450 °C and 550 °C using a tube furnace under argon gas environment. Microstructure of the composites was characterised using optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The phases developed in the sintered samples were determined using x-ray diffraction (XRD). Physical properties such porosity, true density and bulk density were measured by pycnometer. Mechanical property of the samples was determined by compression test. Crack propagation behaviour after compression test was identified using optical microscope.