Long-term biodegradation and associated hydrogen evolution of duplex-structured Mg–Li–Al–(RE) alloys and their mechanical properties

Preliminary in vivo tests of two magnesium alloys, i.e. AE21 and WE43, as biodegradable vascular stent materials, have yielded encouraging results. However, their degradation is desired to be prolonged, mechanical stability over a defined time improved and ductility needed for stent expansion enhanced. A search for alternative magnesium alloys that can better meet these clinical requirements is needed. The present research aimed to evaluate the long-term degradation behavior, hydrogen evolution rates and mechanical properties of three lithium-containing magnesium alloys, namely LA92, LAE912 and LAE922 with a duplex crystal structure, in comparison with those of a WE-type alloy. Immersion tests in Hank's balanced salt solution for 600 days showed that the LA92 alloy degraded much less than the LAE912 and the LAE922 alloys. It even outperformed the WE-type alloy after immersion for 94 days. Moreover, unlike the other three alloys investigated, the LA92 alloy displayed a steady hydrogen evolution rate over the whole period of immersion tests. In addition, it possessed an elongation value of 33%, being much higher than the WE-type alloy. Thus, this alloy has a greater potential of meeting the requirements of radially expandable stents in mechanical properties and degradation performance.

► We perform long-term in vitro degradation tests of Mg-Li-based and Mg-Y-RE alloys for 600 days needed for vascular stents.
► We find a differentiation in degradation behavior between Mg-9Li-2Al and Mg-Y-RE alloys after 94 days of immersion tests.
► We find a flat H2 release profile of Mg-9Li-2Al alloy, while other alloys exhibit bell-shaped H2 release profiles.
► We obtain a 33% elongation value of Mg-9Li-2Al alloy, being sufficient for stent expansion during ballooning.
► We conclude that Mg-9Li-2Al alloy is a potential biodegradable stent material and worth further investigation.