The Promise of Mg-Li Based Alloys for Biomedical Implant Materials

Abstract:

Lithium is an attractive element for Mg alloys for several reasons. It can improve room temperature ductility by transforming the single-phase hcp microstructure of Mg to a duplex phase followed by a single-phase bcc structure. With a solubility of ~5 wt.% Li, α-Mg is less prone to localized corrosion due to the absence of intermetallics. Furthermore, the strength of Mg-Li based alloys can be enhanced by alloying and thermomechanical processing. However, grain refinement has proven to be an effective mechanism in offsetting a compromise in ductility. It is for these reasons that Mg-Li based alloys have been the focus of great interest as a biomaterial where high strength, appreciable ductility and uniform corrosion behavior are required.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1085)
• Pages: 139-148
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-55j9e9
• Online since: April 2023
• Authors: Chiamaka Okafor*, Norman Munroe
• Keywords: Biodegradable Alloys, Implant Materials, Magnesium Alloys, Mg-Li Alloys

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