Effect of Ag on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Bio-corrosion Properties of Fe–30Mn Alloy

Abstract

In the current work, biodegradable Fe–30Mn–XAg (X = 1, 2, 5, 10 wt%) alloys were prepared by the rapid solidification with copper-mold-casting technology. Phase analysis demonstrates that Fe–30Mn–XAg alloys consist of austenite γ phase with a fcc structure and martensite ε phase with a hcp structure. The yield strength of the samples increases with increasing Ag contents. Compared with Fe–30Mn alloy, the degradation rates of Fe–30Mn–XAg in Hank’s solution are significantly improved. Cytotoxicity evaluation reveals that the Fe–30Mn–1Ag and Fe–30Mn–2Ag alloys perform less toxicity on the Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC), while Fe–30Mn–5Ag and Fe–30Mn–10Ag alloys perform no toxicity on it. The contact angles of deionized water on the Fe–30Mn–XAg alloy surface were ranged from 55° to 69°, which is beneficial to the adhesion and growth of the cells. Besides, the addition of Ag leads to a much lower M/H slope, particularly for the Fe–30Mn–5Ag alloy exhibiting a non-magnetic property as SS316L. Therefore, the present Fe–30Mn–XAg alloys would be potential candidates for degradable metals.