Magnesium Alloys as Degradable Biomaterials

Magnesium Alloys as Degradable Biomaterials provides a comprehensive review of the biomedical applications of biodegradable magnesium and its alloys. Magnesium has seen increasing use in orthopedic and cardiovascular applications over the last decade, particularly for coronary stents and bone implants. The book discusses the basic concepts of biodegradation mechanisms as well as strategies to control biodegradation mode and rate, microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance to body fluid, and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. The recently developed representative magnesium alloy systems—such as Mg-Ca, Mg-Zn, Mg-Sr, Mg-Ag, Mg-Li, and Mg-RE—are reviewed and their special properties illustrated. Also discussed are the biodegradable magnesium alloys/aqueous solution interface theoretical model and potential application prototypes, such as for cardiology and orthopedic surgery products. Challenges of transitioning biodegradable magnesium alloys from raw materials to semi-products to final medical devices are covered along with main findings of worldwide experimental studies. An ideal reference book for researchers in the?area of biodegradable metals, it presents the state of the art of magnesium alloys designed for biomedical applications.