Controlling the degradation of MAGnesium alloys for biomedical applications using Innovative smart COATings
Magnesium and corresponding alloys (Mg) are widely considered as prospective materials for a wide range of structural applications due to its excellent mechanical properties including light weight, high strength/weight ratio and stiffness/weight ratio. The main challenge associated with the use of Mg is the control of its high propensity for oxidation, being the most active metal in the galvanic series.
Aim
Mg alloys have been considered for application as implants in the human body due to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. These differ much from permanent titanium and stainless steel implants because the aim in using Mg is to favour the absorption of the implant. Nevertheless, current technologies are not yet capable of overcoming the significant high reactivity of Mg alloys, as they are extremely susceptible to uncontrollable and highly localized corrosion, often accompanied by hydrogen formation which brings serious complications if used within the human body.
The main goal of MAGICOAT is to develop smart coating systems capable of controlling the level of degradation of Mg alloys, finding a compromise between the performance of materials and its biocompatibility.
Partners
MAGICOAT consortium has three partners from Portugal and Germany. The consortium is lead by CICECO-University of Aveiro with partners Helmholtz Zentrum Geestacht and Public Health Institute from University of Porto.
Funding scheme
This work is developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007679 (FCT Ref. UID /CTM /50011/2013), financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC and when appropriate co-financed by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. The authors also thank financial support from FCT and COMPETE through project PTDC/CTM-BIO/2170/2014.
Roles and competences
Team
João Tedim - UAVR, Project coordinator
Cristina Neves-UAVR, Postdoctoral researcher (inorganic films, characterization)
Isabel Sousa-UAVR, Postdoctoral researcher (organic coatings and capsules)
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Sónia Fraga-ISPUP, Researcher, biocompatibility studies
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Nico Scharnagl-HZG, Biocompatible Mg alloys, organic coatings, characterization
Mikhail Zheludkevich-HZG, Mg alloys, corrosion testing, inhibition.
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Contacts
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Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal