Design and characterization of biodegradable Mg−Zn−Ag metallic glasses

Abstract

In order to develop the Mg−Zn−Ag metallic glasses (MGs) for biodegradable implant applications, the glass formation ability (GFA) and biocompatibility of Mg−Zn−Ag alloys were investigated using a combination of the calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) and experimental measurements. High GFA potentiality of two alloy series, specifically Mg_96−xZn_xAg₄ and Mg_94−xZn_xAg₆ (x=17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35), was predicted theoretically and then substantiated through experimental testing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were used to evaluate the crystallinity, GFA, and crystallization characteristics of these alloys. The results showed that compositions between Mg₇₃Zn₂₃Ag₄ and Mg₆₄Zn₃₂Ag₄ for Mg_96−xZn_xAg₄, Mg₆₆Zn₂₈Ag₆ and Mg₆₃Zn₃₁Ag₆ for Mg_94−xZn_xAg₆ displayed a superior GFA. Notably, the GFA of the Mg_96−xZn_xAg₄ series was better than that of the Mg_94−xZn_xAg₆ series. Furthermore, the Mg₇₀Zn₂₆Ag₄, Mg₇₄Zn₂₀Ag₆, and Mg₇₁Zn₂₃Ag₆ alloys showed acceptable corrosion rates, good cytocompatibility, and positive effects on cell proliferation. These characteristics make them suitable for applications in medical settings, potentially materials as biodegradable implants.