STUDY OF THE TRIBOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SOME BIODEGRADABLE Mg-Ca-Zn ALLOYS

Abstract

Magnesium-based biodegradable alloys used in medical applications have been intensively researched throughout the years. As is well known, the biodegradability of medical alloys is improved by alloying Mg with biocompatible and non-toxic metals. According to studies, Mg, Zn, and Ca are abundant in the human body and help to the regeneration of bone tissue efficiently and effectively. Due to their biodegradability, magnesium alloys, particularly Mg–Ca–Zn alloys used to manufacture implants, reduce patient stress by eliminating the need for a second surgery. Due to magnesium alloys' similar Young's modulus (41-45 GPa) to that of natural bone, the stress shielding effect can be significantly reduced. The objective of this research is to examine the tribological and mechanical properties of a novel experimental biodegradable alloy composed of magnesium (Mg) and 0.5 wt. % Ca, with variable amounts of zinc (Zn) at 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 wt. %, with the aim of improve the mechanical characteristics. The microstructure and mechanical characteristics were determined using light microscopy (LM), a CETR UMT-2 Tribometer, and an Instron 34SC-5 instrument. A magnesium solid solution as well as a lamellar Mg2Ca and a MgZn2 intermetallic compound were discovered as a result of this research. The tribological parameters exhibit a decrease in coefficient of friction (COF) with increasing Zn concentration and a little increase in hardness and Young modulus up to 3 wt.%.