Nondestructive Evaluation of Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys

Mg0.5Ca alloys are potentially biocompatible, osteoconductive, biodegradable metallic materials that can be used in bone repair due to their in situ degradation in the body. Adding rare earth elements such as gadolinium, the degradation rate of Mg-0.5Ca-xGd [x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 wt%] alloy taken into study is reduced. SEM, EDS were used for morphological characterization and also noninvasive testing (Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy and ultrasound method) were used to determine the mechanical characteristics. The influence of gadolinium over the properties and structure of this alloy is studied, to choose the optimal percent of alloying elements added for compatibility with human bones.