Thermomechanically processed magnesium-silver alloys as antibacterial and biodegradable implant materials

In this study, “smart” Mg-Ag alloys as antibacterial and biodegradable implant materials were prepared and systematically evaluated. The microstructure of the as cast Mg-Ag alloys with varied silver content was regulated with respect to the grain size and precipitates via different thermomechanical processing. The processing includes casting, homogenization, hot extrusion, equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), friction stir processing (FSP) and rolling with subsequent annealing. The influence of microstructure on tensile properties and degradation behavior was revealed. The cytocompatibility, mineralization, antibacterial properties and degradation mechanism of Mg-Ag alloys were evaluated