Microstructure, mechanical, in vitro corrosion and biocompatibility response study of as-cast and as-rolled Mg–5Zn–0.5Zr alloy

Abstract: Magnesium (Mg) alloys are attractive biodegradable metal used for medical implant applications. In the present investigation, as-cast and as-rolled Mg–5Zn–0.5Zr alloys were studied for microstructural, mechanical, corrosion behaviour and in vitro biocompatibility. The microstructural changes due to hot rolling strongly influenced the micro-hardness, elastic modulus and corrosion behaviour of the alloy. The micro-hardness of the alloy increased from 66 ± 5 HV in as-cast condition to 84 ± 3 HV after rolling. The corrosion resistance of the alloy decreased after rolling whereas both as-cast and as-rolled alloys showed adequate biocompatibility with mouse osteoblast precursor cell line (MC3T3-E1). In summary, the alloy has potential for customized degradable implant applications and the degradation behaviour depends on the processing route. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]