Design and characterization of biodegradable Mg-Zn-Ag metallic glasses

In order to develop the Mg-Zn-Ag metallic glasses (MGs) for biodegradable implant applications, the glass formation ability (GFA) and biocompatibility of Mg-Zn-Ag alloys were investigated using a combination of the calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) and experimental measurements. High GFA potentiality of two alloy series, specifically Mg96-xZnxAg4 and Mg94-xZnxAg6 (x=17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35), was predicted theoretically and then substantiated through experimental testing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were used to evaluate the crystallinity, GFA, and crystallization characteristics of these alloys. The results showed that compositions between Mg73Zn23Ag4 and Mg64Zn32Ag4 for Mg96-xZnxAg4, Mg66Zn28Ag6 and Mg63Zn31Ag6 for Mg94-xZnxAg6 displayed a superior GFA. Notably, the GFA of the Mg96-xZnxAg4 series was better than that of the Mg94-xZnxAg6 series. Furthermore, the Mg70Zn26Ag4, Mg74Zn20Ag6, and Mg71Zn23Ag6 alloys showed acceptable corrosion rates, good cytocompatibility, and positive effects on cell proliferation. These characteristics make them suitable for applications in medical settings, potentially materials as biodegradable implants.