Effect of Sr Addition on Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Mg-Zn-Ca Alloy for Biodegradable Implant Material

The effect of Sr addition on mechanical and bio-corrosion properties of as-cast Mg-3wt.%Zn-0.5wt.%Ca-xwt.%Sr (x = 0.3, 0.6, 0.9) alloys were examined for application as biodegradable implant material. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the as-cast Mg-Zn-Ca-Sr alloys were characterized by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing and electrochemical measurement in Hank's solution. The as-cast alloys contained -Mg and eutectic phases, while the alloys contained -Mg, and Mg-Zn-Ca-Sr intermetallic compound when the Sr addition was more than 0.3 wt.%. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation increased with the increasing of Sr content up to 0.6 wt.% but decreased in the 0.9 wt.% Sr-added alloy, whereas the corrosion resistance of 0.3 wt.% Sr-added alloy was superior to other alloys. It was thought that profuse Mg-Zn-Ca-Sr intermetallic compound deteriorated both the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the as-cast alloy.