Effect of Zn particles on properties and microstructure of the Mg-10 wt% bio-glass (45S5) composite

In recent years, magnesium alloys have attracted great attention as degradable implant materials due to biodegradable properties. In addition, density of magnesium is close to the cortical bones and reduces stress shielding effect. However, pure magnesium has poor mechanical properties and the addition of alloying element is used to improve its strength. In this research, Mg-10 wt% bio-glass (45S5) composites with the addition of 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt% Zn are fabricated using powder metallurgy which consists of mixing, compacting and followed by sintering. The optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, pycnometer, universal testing machine and Vicker's hardness are used to investigate the effect of Zn particles addition on the microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of the composite Mg-10 wt% of bio-glass. Corrosion behavior is studied by the hydrogen evolution test. The results show that as the content of Zn particles increases the density, hardness and compressive strength increase, whereas porosity decreases. The results also show that hydrogen evolution rate decreases with the addition of Zn content.