In vitro degradation and dry sliding wear behaviour of AZ31-Sn/Al2O3 nano metal matrix composites in simulated body fluid for biomedical application

Abstract

In this research, tin was added to the AZ31/2Al2O3 magnesium metal matrix composite to investigate its influence on degradation rate in the presence of simulated body fluid (SBF) and wear behaviour in dry conditions. The AZ31- xSn/2Al2O3 ( x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt%) composites were manufactured using the bottom pouring stir casting route. The microstructure of the manufactured AZ31/2Al2O3 and AZ31- xSn/2Al2O3 composites revealed that they were composed of the α-Mg solid solution and the intermetallic compound □-Mg17Al12, which was situated near the grain boundaries. When tin was added, the Sn-rich intermetallic compound Mg2Sn was formed, increasing the volume fraction of the Mg2Sn phase. Compared to AZ31/2Al2O3 composite, the wear test revealed that AZ31/2Al2O3 composites containing Sn particles exhibited a higher ability to generate more stable tribo-layers at higher applied loads, which protected the worn surface and reduced the wear rate. The wear resistance of composites was improved primarily by the behaviour of the tribo-layer in the wear process. The degradation rates (mm/year) of the AZ31 composites were carried out for 72 h in SBF. The degradation rate was reduced when the Sn content in the AZ31/2Al2O3 composite was increased to 6 wt% and then increased with further Sn addition. It was observed that when the amount of Sn particles increases up to 6 wt%, the severity of the degradation decreases.