A novel magnesium alloy with enhanced mechanical property, degradation behavior and cytocompatibility

Abstract

In this study, heat treatment and extrusion were used respectively to optimize the microstructure of a novel Mg-2Y-1Zn-0.4Zr alloy, and its mechanical property, degradation behavior and cytocompatibility were investigated. Stress-strain curves showed that both heat treatment and extrusion could improve the mechanical properties of the alloy. Electrochemical results indicated that, comparing with as-cast specimen, the heat treated and as-extruded samples showed lower corrosion rate and less susceptibility to pitting corrosion. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using the methylthiazolyl diphenyltetrazolium bromide method via mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The results revealed that the cytocompatibility of Mg-2Y-1Zn-0.4Zr alloy was enhanced by heat treatment and extrusion. Besides, as-extruded alloy showed favorable mechanical property, the best degradation behavior and cytocompatibility which suggests that as-extruded may be a good candidate to be used in biomedical applications.