A survey of bio-corrosion rates of magnesium alloys

The dissolution rates of a number of experimental magnesium (Mg) alloys in simulated body fluid are surveyed in this work. Degradation conditions approximating the human physiological environment were examined using Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) and exposure in a CO2 incubator at 37 °C. The results herein provide a timely baseline for the assessment of the role of alloying elements in dictating dissolution rates of Mg alloys in vitro, together with some important considerations in the assessment of Mg alloys as possible candidates for biomedical implants with customisable dissolution rates.