Hot extrusion of magnesium/hydroxyapatite composites prepared by powder metallurgy

Magnesium biocompatibility and mechanical properties comparable with those of bones predetermine magnesium and materials based on magnesium for application as biodegradable implants. Pure magnesium usually has very poor properties that need to be improved. These properties can be improved by various alloying elements. However, these elements are usually not biocompatible. An alternative way to improve both mechanical and corrosion properties is by using composite materials. The presence of hydroxyapatite in magnesium should improve the mechanical properties and, at the same time, reduce the rate of corrosion by the barrier effect. This paper focuses on Mg/HA composite materials prepared from pure magnesium powders and hydroxyapatite (HA) powders. Powders were consolidated via cold compaction and subsequently directly extruded. The microstructure was revealed through SEM-EDS, mechanical properties were determined by tensile test. The corrosion resistance of composites was evaluated by immersion and electrochemical measurements in simulated body fluid.