Investigations on the corrosion characteristics of additive manufactured Mg–Ag alloy in simulated body fluids for biodegradable implants

This study explores the microstructure, texture, and microhardness of a Mg–Ag alloy specimen. The microstructural analysis reveals an average grain size of ~ 40 µm with predominantly random grain orientation and prevalent low-angle grain boundaries. Phase composition analysis identifies α-Mg, Ag_9.01Mg_36.81, Ag_0.03Mg_0.97, and Ag, with a predominant occurrence of α-Mg along the (011) plane. The immersion corrosion tests in Dulbecco’s Phosphate Buffered solution over varying durations exhibit a decreasing corrosion rate, reaching 0.4718 mm/year after 168 h. Surface morphology analysis showcases the transformation of Mg to Mg(OH)₂, and chemical equations delineate the formation of corrosion products, possibly hydroxyapatite (HAP) or magnesium-substituted hydroxyapatite (Mg-HAP). Elemental and phase composition analyses further support the presence of bio-compatible corrosion products, offering assurance for potential biodegradable implant applications through support for bone growth and bone-implant integration.