Biodegradation Control of Magnesium-calcium Biomaterial Via Adjusting Surface Integrity by Synergistic Cutting-burnishing

Magnesium-calcium (MgCa) alloys are very promising orthopedic biomaterials with biodegradability and suitable biomechanical properties. However, the high corrosion rate of Mg-based alloys in human body environment remains as a big challenge for their successful development as biomaterials. In this study, synergistic cutting-burnishing was developed to control the degradation rate of the novel MgCa0.8 (wt. %) biomaterial by adjusting surface integrity. In-vitro immersion tests were performed in simulated body fluid to measure degradation kinetics of the processed samples. Morphology and elemental composition of the corroded surface layers were also studied. The synergistic process was successful to control biodegradation rate. This enabling process may manufacture biodegradable MgCa0.8 implants with tailored degradation rate to fit various orthopedic applications.