Fabrication and Characterization of Biomedical Magnesium based Hybrid Nanocomposite with Enhanced Mechanical and Corrosion Protection

The local Saudi Arabian artificial organs market is anticipated to be USD 0.585 billion by the end of 2019, and the global market for implants is growing at 8.8 % to reach $91.42 billion by 2025. The global market of Mg is growing and forecasted CAGR (compound annual growth rate) at 7.1% (2016 -2026). Therefore, the development of new Mg-based composite for biomedical applications would provide economic and health outcomes. Magnesium is one of the most suitable biocompatible and biodegradable elements. The modulus of elasticity of Mg is 45 GPa, which is in the range of the elastic modulus of human bone (40-57 GPa), minimize the bone shielding effect compared to the higher elastic modulus of Co, Fe, and Ti-based alloys. However, Mg has a comparatively low strength, low corrosion resistance, which could limit its extensive use. The mechanical integrity of the implant in the body need to be maintained for about 12 weeks. However, Mg alloy could maintain its mechanical stability for 6-8 weeks. Therefore controlling corrosion of Mg as a biodegradable implant is essentially needed. To overcome this limitation, development of an Mg-matrix composite (MMC) is one direction. In this research proposal, we intended to develop an Mg-based hybrid nanocomposite (Mg xTiB yHA) with enhanced mechanical and corrosion protection for biomedical applications. The hybrid nanocomposite will be synthesized from elemental powders of Mg, TiB, and HA. These powder blends will be milled in a planetary ball mill then will be characterized for structure, microstructure, morphology, chemical composition, particle distribution. Then as-milled composite powders will be sintered using conventional and/or spark plasma sintering technique. The sintered hybrid nanocomposite will be characterized in terms of structure, microstructure, and densification. Mechanical, in vitro corrosion, and bioactivity in simulated body fluid tests will be carried out for the processed composite to assess their biomedical properties. This project has an immediate benefit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as according to the Saudi Arabian population censuses, the proportion of elderly persons will reach approximately about 2.5 and 5.9 million by 2030 and 2050 respectively which representative 13% of total people. Hence, the demand for bone replacement with implants made from artificial materials is also increasing. The successful implementation of the proposed research work, if funded, would noticeable the path for more in-depth research for this advanced promising biomaterials and lead to the outline of a technological route that can be utilized to develop Mg-based nanocomposite for implant applications.