Effects of alloying elements on performance of biodegradable magnesium alloy

Magnesium (Mg), a trace element in the human body, has excellent properties for use as a biodegradable medical implant. Metallic materials such as stainless steel, Co-based alloys, Ti alloys etc. used in biomed-ical implants. The use of corrodible alloying metals for medical applications has recently been increased. Magnesium as a biodegradable alloy has stupendous properties like elastic modulus, mechanical proper-ties, good biocompatibility, very close to bone properties and helps in bone remodelling or ossification. The review study focuses on the degradation behavior of Mg-based alloys, influenced by alloying ele-ments to increase resistance to corrosion, mechanical properties and bioactivity. This study reveals that the degradation rate can be controlled by lowering the corrosion rate through proper alloying by ele-ments such as Zr, Sr, Mn, Ca, Zn, Al and rare earth elements and enhanced biocompatibility. The analysis has been discussed for cardiovascular, orthopaedic, tissue engineering, and therapeutic implant applica-tions focused on Mg-based alloys.Copyright (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd International Conference on Contemporary Advances in Mechanical Engineering