Influence of Noble Metals on Morphology and Topology of Structural Elements in Magnesium Alloy

TL;DR

This study shows that adding silver and gold to a magnesium alloy improves its structure and mechanical properties, making it a better material for implants.

Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating how noble metals like silver and gold modify magnesium alloy structure and enhance its performance for biomedical applications.

Findings

Adding silver and gold creates smaller, spherical intermetallics that refine the alloy's structure.

The modified alloy shows improved strength and ductility.

Preclinical and clinical tests confirmed the potential of noble metal-modified magnesium alloys for implants.

Abstract

The main motivation for this study was to improve implant materials. The influence of silver and gold on the structure and mechanical properties of Mg–Nd–Zr alloy was studied. In the work, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the structural components of magnesium alloy with noble metal additives was performed. The research methods used were investigation of the mechanical properties and observation of micro– and macrostructures. The results showed that modification of magnesium alloy with Ag and Au contributes to the formation of spherical intermetallics of smaller size groups, which become additional centers of crystallization and grind the cast structure. The best composition from additional alloying with silver and gold was determined. Their positive effect on the strength and ductility properties of the metal was established. Preclinical and clinical testing was performed and the prospects for noble metal modification of bioabsorbable magnesium alloy for implant production usage were shown.

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