Effect of copper content on the biodegradation behavior of Fe-Mn-C alloy system
Sheng Wei, Zheng Ma, Lili Tan, Junxiu Chen, R.D.K. Misra, Ke Yang
Abstract
Low degradation rate is one of the main problems in iron-based alloys as potential biodegradable materials. In this study, Fe-30Mn-1 C-x(x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5)Cu alloys were designed to study the determining impact of copper addition and associated ageing treatment on the biodegradation behaviour of Fe-30Mn-1 C alloy system, in combination with the mechanical behaviour of the designed biomaterial system. Based on electrochemical measurements and immersion tests, it was observed that the degradation rate of materials was increased on increasing the copper content and ageing treatment because of the decreased potential and galvanic corrosion induced by precipitates. While the elongation and strength of the alloy decreased because of the precipitation within the grains, they were within the acceptable range.