Novel Mn-doped Mg–Zn–Ca bulk metallic glass composites were made by copper mold cast.
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The strength of the Mn-doped Mg–Zn–Ca is suitable for implant application.
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The Mn-doped Mg–Zn–Ca alloys have significantly high bio-corrosion resistance.
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The Mn-doped Mg–Zn–Ca alloys show better cell viabilities than that of pure Mg.
Abstract
The effects of Mn substitution for Mg on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of Mg69 − xZn27Ca4Mnx (x = 0, 0.5 and 1 at.%) alloys were investigated using X-ray diffraction, compressive tests, electrochemical treatments, and immersion tests, respectively. Microstructural observations showed that the Mg69Zn27Ca4 alloy was mainly amorphous. The addition of Mn decreases the glass-forming ability, which results in a decreased strength from 545 MPa to 364 MPa. However, this strength is still suitable for implant application. Polarization and immersion tests in the simulated body fluid at 37 °C revealed that the Mn-doped Mg–Zn–Ca alloys have significantly higher corrosion resistance than traditional ZK60 and pure Mg alloys. Cytotoxicity test showed that cell viabilities of osteoblasts cultured with Mn-doped Mg–Zn–Ca alloys extracts were higher than that of pure Mg. Mg68.5Zn27Ca4Mn0.5 exhibits the highest bio-corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and has desirable mechanical properties, which could suggest to be used as biomedical materials in the future.