Microstructure and Properties of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Reinforced WE43 Alloy Fabricated by Friction Stir Processing

Abstract

This research mainly focuses on the successful fabrication of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) reinforced WE43 alloy by two-pass friction stir processing (FSP). Microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and in vitro corrosion behavior of FSPed WE43/nHA composite and FSPed WE43 alloy were studied. The results show that nHA particles are effectively dispersed in the processing zone, and the well-dispersed nHA particles can enhance the grain refine effect of FSP. The average grain sizes of FSPed WE43 alloy and WE43/nHA composite are 5.7 and 3.3 μm, respectively. However, a slight deterioration in tensile strength and yield strength is observed on the WE43/nHA composite, compared to the FSPed WE43 alloy, which is attributed to the locally agglomerated nHA particles and the poor quality of interfacial bonding between nHA particles and matrix. The electrochemical test and in vitro immersion test results reveal that the corrosion resistance of the WE43 alloy is greatly improved after FSP. With the addition of nHA particles, the corrosion resistance of the WE43/nHA composite shows an even greater improvement.

Mechanical Properties, Biodegradation, and Biocompatibility of Ultrafine Grained Magnesium Alloy WE43

“…Jiang et al [42] showed that the degradation rate of extruded WE43, measured in SBF over two days, was ~3.9 mm/year. A similar magnitude of the degradation rate was reported for cast WE43 alloy coated with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) particles [43].…”

Development and characterization of WE43/nano-TiC surface composite by friction stir processing technique

“…The corrosion characteristics were measured using Tafel exploration method, as presented in previous studies following ASTM-G31-72 rule. [44][45][46][47][48][49][50] In order to check the degradation rate, the samples were dipped in NaCl solution for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Upon predetermining the time period, samples have been taken out of the solution and were weighed.…”

Special Issue “Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications”

“…The main focus of this Special Issue is to therefore collect scientific contributions dealing with the development of absorbable metals with improved and unique corrosion and mechanical properties for applications in highly loaded implants, or cardiovascular and urethral stents. This Special Issue assembles a group of highly original manuscripts that present a range of exciting innovations in alloying [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] and compositing [ 4 ], along with their testing and assessments [ 5 , 6 , 7 ] to introduce novel medical implants based on magnesium [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 ], zinc [ 1 , 7 ], or iron [ 10 , 11 ]. As the biointerface plays an important role in implant–tissue interactions, contributions to implant coating and surface engineering strategies and their effects on the implant properties and corrosion are also discussed [ 8 , 10 , 12 ].…”