Development of a modified-in vitro corrosion fatigue test rig for biodegradable load-bearing metallic implants, By Mojtaba Esmailzadeh

Research

Title	Development of a modified-in vitro corrosion fatigue test rig for biodegradable load-bearing metallic implants
Type	Article
Keywords	Mg alloyBiodegradable orthopaedic implantCorrosion fatigueModified-in vitro conditions
Journal	MEASUREMENT
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2025.117765
Researchers	Morteza Davari (First researcher) , Mohammadreza Shooshtarian (Second researcher) , Mojtaba Esmailzadeh (Third researcher) , Samaneh Hajihoseini (Fifth researcher) , Carsten Blawert (Not in first six researchers) , Marta Mohedano (Not in first six researchers) , Endzhe Matykina (Not in first six researchers) , Raul Arrabal (Not in first six researchers)

Abstract

Corrosion fatigue is a major factor leading to sudden failures in load-bearing orthopaedic implants, particularly in biodegradable ones that corrode more quickly than permanent implants. In the current study, we developed a novel modified in vitro corrosion fatigue (MICorF) rig that incorporates several key parameters—such as loading mode, blood buffering capacity, gradual bone healing processes, and the synchronization of corrosion and cyclic damage—aimed at closely mimicking in vivo conditions. The functionality of the (MICorF) was tested with an experimental extruded ZX00 (Mg-0.5Zn-0.5Ca) Mg alloy. The results showed that the ZX00 Mg alloy possesses a limited biomechanical performance. Based on the SEM micrographs, the presence of intermetallic particles in the alloy microstructure and the subsequent galvanic corrosion phenomena could be taken as the main cause of failure. According to the results yielded by the (MICorF), the ZX00 alloy withstands at least 20 days under the studied physiological conditions and polarization corresponding to the pitting conditions.