Degradation of mechanical properties of magnesium alloy

In this study, biodegradation behaviour of WE43 magnesium alloy have been studied and compared during exposure to three different media commonly used to simulate the conditions of human body environment. Magnesium alloys emerged as a new class of bioresorbable implant materials. Their applications reduce certain risks associated with conventional permanent implants. Biodegradation behaviour of the WE43 magnesium alloy was observed under Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, Sigma Aldrich) supplemented with 5 % fetal bovine serum and gentamicin antibiotic as standard. The samples were stored in the medium at 37 degrees C and in a 5 % CO2 atmosphere. The second type of medium was Hank's Salt Balanced Solution (HBSS, Sigma Aldrich), which simulates the inorganic composition of blood plasma. HBSS was tempered at 37 degrees C. The last solution was an acidic solution of HCl + NaCl (pH2) with pH similar to 2 (0.01M HCl and 0.14M NaCl) tempered at 37 degrees C. The acidic type of solution was used to simulate a local acidic environment associated with osteoclast activity during bone remodelling. Changes in the mechanical properties of the samples during exposure to simulated body conditions were observed.