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Susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking in biodegradable magnesium-based alloys
Biodegradable implants only stay for a limited time in the body and degrade after they have fulfilled their task. This renders an implant removal surgery unnecessary. This study investigates via electron microscopy and slow strain-rate mechanical testing the underlying mechanisms affecting stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of biodegradable Mg alloys loaded in corrosive environment.
Current implants for bone-fracture repair are usually made of titanium or stainless steel and frequently require surgical removal after bone healing. However, magnesium alloys are able to degrade in the human body with time, rendering a second surgery unnecessary. We recently developed a novel class of Mg-based alloys made of ultrahigh-purity Mg and Ca. This biocompatible alloying system combines tailorable mechanical properties and degradation characteristics. Biodegradable implant materials must maintain their structural integrity for a specific period in a chloride-rich corrosive environment, where premature failure due to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) may occur. Based on slow strain-rate testing (SSRT), we investigate the material’s SCC susceptibility in chloride-rich environment.
In this project, students will gain experience using electron microscopes and learn about slow strain-rate testing methods conducted in an environment that mimics human bodily fluids. This research aims to deepen the understanding in the design of biodegradable materials for medical applications.
Current implants for bone-fracture repair are usually made of titanium or stainless steel and frequently require surgical removal after bone healing. However, magnesium alloys are able to degrade in the human body with time, rendering a second surgery unnecessary. We recently developed a novel class of Mg-based alloys made of ultrahigh-purity Mg and Ca. This biocompatible alloying system combines tailorable mechanical properties and degradation characteristics. Biodegradable implant materials must maintain their structural integrity for a specific period in a chloride-rich corrosive environment, where premature failure due to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) may occur. Based on slow strain-rate testing (SSRT), we investigate the material’s SCC susceptibility in chloride-rich environment. In this project, students will gain experience using electron microscopes and learn about slow strain-rate testing methods conducted in an environment that mimics human bodily fluids. This research aims to deepen the understanding in the design of biodegradable materials for medical applications.
The aim of this MSc thesis project is to investigate the underlying mechanisms affecting stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of Mg-based alloys mechanically loaded in an ion-based corrosive environment similar to that of the human body. The MgCa alloy described above will be compared with another Mg alloy that is already in clinical use. Both materials will be tested with different levels of pre-deformation and various coating systems. The MSc student will analyze the samples via scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and perform SSRT tests as needed.
The aim of this MSc thesis project is to investigate the underlying mechanisms affecting stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of Mg-based alloys mechanically loaded in an ion-based corrosive environment similar to that of the human body. The MgCa alloy described above will be compared with another Mg alloy that is already in clinical use. Both materials will be tested with different levels of pre-deformation and various coating systems. The MSc student will analyze the samples via scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and perform SSRT tests as needed.
Wolfgang Rubin, wolfgang.rubin@mat.ethz.ch, Metal Physics and Technology, ETH Zurich
Prof. Dr. Jörg F. Löffler, joerg.loeffler@mat.ethz.ch, Metal Physics and Technology, ETH Zurich
Wolfgang Rubin, wolfgang.rubin@mat.ethz.ch, Metal Physics and Technology, ETH Zurich
Prof. Dr. Jörg F. Löffler, joerg.loeffler@mat.ethz.ch, Metal Physics and Technology, ETH Zurich