In vitro investigation of Fe30Mn6Si shape memory alloy as potential biodegradable metallic material

Fe30Mn6Si alloy was investigated as a potential degradable biomaterial, with the recently well-developed biodegradable metals, pure iron and Fe30Mn alloy, as comparison. The microstructure, mechanical properties, shape memory effect, corrosion behavior and in vitro biocompatibilities were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, tensile tests, electrochemical tests, immersion tests in Hank's solution till 6 months, cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests. It's found that Fe30Mn6Si alloy consists of ε-martensite and γ-austenite at room temperature, the mechanical property of Fe30Mn6Si alloy is higher than that of the pure iron, and the corrosion rate of Fe30Mn6Si alloy is higher than that of Fe30Mn alloy. Additionally, Fe30Mn6Si alloy shows good performance for blood vessel related cellular application and the hemolysis percentage is less than 2%. In conclusion, Fe30Mn6Si alloy is a promising biodegradable metallic material with a shape memory function.