Synthesis and Characterization of Zn-Mg Alloys as Biodegradable Materials

Abstract

The Zn-Mg alloy is a suitable candidate for the manufacture of biomaterials that can be excessively degraded in the human body without producing a mixture. This study was conducted with the aim to determine variations in the mechanical characteristics of Zn-Mg alloys with Mg ratio of 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%wt, and to study variations in composition and sintering of the degradation rate of Zn-alloy Mg uses the powder metallurgy method. The synthesis results were characterized by using a defense test and obtained the best value at Zn7% Mg of 117.5 ± 25.37. The presence of MgZn2 and Mg2Zn11 phases that were confirmed by XRD characterization could increase the material hardness. Dynamic degradation test was carried out on samples with the best mechanical properties (Zn7% Mg) with variations in compacting pressure and sintering temperature. The increase in compaction pressure and sintering temperature could reduce the degradation rate of Zn-Mg alloys. The best degradation test was obtained at a pressure of 400 MPa with a sintering temperature of 400°C of 0.70mmpy. The degradation test results were as expected because previous studies stated at the degradation rate (0.40mmpy-1.53mmpy) on statistical testing and the degradation rate (4.9-7.0) mmpy on the change policy supported for bone scaffolding applications. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) characterization results showed that samples with compacting pressure and low sintering temperature do not have perfect particle bonding. Samples with high compacting pressure and sintering temperature have good bonding between particles so they do not have a pore composition in the alloy.