Mg-3Zn/HA Biodegradable Composites Synthesized via Spark Plasma Sintering for Temporary Orthopedic Implants

In the present study, an attempt has been made to improve the mechanical properties, biocompatibility and degradation rate of Mg/3Zn matrix composite, by reinforcing with chemically inert and osteoconductive hydroxyapatite (HA). The composites were synthesized through spark plasma sintering for better consolidation. The HA content, in Mg/3Zn matrix, was optimized with an aim of improving mechanical behavior, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility simultaneously. It has been observed that reinforcement with 15 wt.% HA could slow down the corrosion rate by similar to 60% and improve the hardness and compression strength by similar to 42.8 and 18%, respectively. In vitro studies, up to 56 days, unveil the effect of HA reinforcement in corrosion resistance of magnesium-based matrix. Osteoblastic activity has shown better cell proliferation on the composite surfaces, which were reinforced with HA.