Preparation and characterization of biodegradable hydroxyapatite reinforced magnesium composites

A biodegradable magnesium matrix and two different percentages of micron-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) particles reinforced magnesium composites were fabricated by the powder metallurgy (PM) technique. The mechanical and corrosive properties were investigated by compression and electrochemical tests, respectively. The compressive yield strength of the composites was found to be much higher than that of magnesium matrix and increase with the HA content. Electrochemical tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) reveal that the corrosion potential of the composites is improved evidently compared with that of the pure Mg. The corrosion potential of Mg-20%HA composite is -1.582 V and its corrosion current density is 10.84 μA/cm2. ©, 2015, Science Press. All right reserved.