Insights on Spark Plasma Sintering of Magnesium Composites: A Review

Abstract

This review paper gives an insight into the microstructural, mechanical, biological, and corrosion resistance of spark plasma sintered magnesium (Mg) composites. Mg has a mechanical property similar to natural human bones as well as biodegradable and biocompatible properties. Furthermore, Mg is considered a potential material for structural and biomedical applications. However, its high affinity toward oxygen leads to oxidation of the material. Various researchers optimize the material composition, processing techniques, and surface modifications to overcome this issue. In this review, effort has been made to explore the role of process techniques, especially applying a typical powder metallurgy process and the sintering technique called spark plasma sintering (SPS) in the processing of Mg composites. The effect of reinforcement material on Mg composites is illustrated well. The reinforcement’s homogeneity, size, and shape affect the mechanical properties of Mg composites. The evidence shows that Mg composites exhibit better corrosion resistance, as the reinforcement act as a cathode in a Mg matrix. However, in most cases, a localized corrosion phenomenon is observed. The Mg composite’s high corrosion rate has adversely affected cell viability and promotes cytotoxicity. The reinforcement of bioactive material to the Mg matrix is a potential method to enhance the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of the materials. However, the impact of SPS process parameters on the final quality of the Mg composite needs to be explored.

Effect of ECAP Route Type on the Microstructural Evolution, Crystallographic Texture, Electrochemical Behavior and Mechanical Properties of ZK30 Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy

“…Finally, the addition of Zn further strengthens the alloy through solid solution strengthening, grain refinement, as well as through other mechanisms like increasing the alloy’s age hardening response [ 1 , 5 , 17 ]. In addition, Zn assists in resisting the corrosive effect of impurities like nickel and iron and hence, improves the corrosion behavior of Mg alloys [ 18 ]. ZKxx alloys, or Mg-Zn-Zr, where Z is zinc and K is Zirconium, prove themselves to be great biocompatible substrates for implants and other medical applications due to their strength and low cytotoxicity propelled by their lack of aluminum, contrary to most Mg-based bioresorbable alloys [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 14 ].…”

Synthesis Technology of Magnesium-Doped Nanometer Hydroxyapatite: A Review

“…Since the process is performed at high temperatures, oxidation occurs more readily than at room temperature. Therefore, this scheme is prone to impurities such as MgO. , …”

“…Spark plasma sintering is a method of sintering samples with pure magnesium and pure nanohydroxyapatite powder under appropriate pressure in a vacuum environment using pulsed DC current. − In detail, magnesium powder and nanohydroxyapatite with an average particle size of 180 μm and purities of 99.5% and 95%, respectively, were used as starting powders. The two powders were mixed according to four combined forms (0, 8, 10, and 12 wt % HA, and the rest were Mg) in argon using a planetary microsphere mill at 500 rpm for 10 min.…”

“…Therefore, this scheme is prone to impurities such as MgO. 105,111 Moradi et al 112 screened 800−900 μm pure magnesium particles and nanohydroxyapatite under the condition of a Experimental results show that the prepared nanoparticles are less than 30 nm in size and the nanoparticles of nanohydroxyapatite are distributed almost uniformly over the magnesium matrix. Mechanical and corrosion tests showed that the Mg-nHA composites with 2 and 4 wt % had the best properties, with the same strength and elastic modulus as human cancellous bone.…”

Alloying Elements Effect on the Recrystallization Process in Magnesium-Rich Aluminum Alloy

“…Aluminum is one of the most commonly used metals in modern industry [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Aluminum alloys with a high magnesium content are very popular multifunctional alloys, and are used in the automotive industry, shipbuilding, aerospace engineering and the packaging industry [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”