Bioresorbable Lean Mg Alloys (Microstructure and Properties)

Here we study the microstructure and properties (materials physics) of lean MgZnCa alloys, which are of high interest for bioresorbable implant applications. These wrought Mg alloys contain nano-sized intermetallic precipitates (IMPs), which enable a fine-grained microstructure by hindering grain growth during high-temperature extrusion. With analytical high-resolution TEM and APT, we study in detail the morphology and type of these IMPs. Furthermore, we study and explain via high-resolution chemical and structural analysis the exceptional strength and ductility enhancement of Mg by the minor additions of Ca and Zn.