Influence of Sc on the microstructure, degradation behavior, biocompatibility in vitro and mechanical property of Mg-2Zn-0.2Zr alloy

Abstract

Microstructure, degradation behavior in vitro and mechanical property of as-extruded Mg-2Zn-0.2Zr-xSc (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, wt.%) alloys was investigated. Fine rod-like Mg(Zn,Sc,Zr) phase in as-extruded ZK-(0.4–0.8)Sc alloys inhibits recrystallized grains growth, resulting in grain refinement. The addition of Sc decreases the degradation rate in vitro and improves the mechanical property of ZK20 alloy. All tested alloys had no cytotoxicity effect on HUVEC and MC3T3-E1 cells. This work provides a better understanding on adding Sc as alloying element for biomedical Mg alloys with superior mechanical property, slower degradation rate and good biocompatibility.