DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-MAGNESIUM ALLOY/COMPOSITES TARGETING STRUCTURAL/BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

In this thesis, the synergistic effect of incorporating low-cost natural reinforcements coupled with eco-friendly processing techniques has been explored in the magnesium matrix to develop Economically Conscious Magnesium (ECo–Mg) composites. Pure Mg is chosen as the matrix material and alloyed with biocompatible alloying elements like Zinc (Zn) and Silicon (Si) after careful optimization. The ECo-Mg composites were developed using silicon dioxide and hydroxyapatite (nanometer range), tricalcium phosphate (micron range) and eggshell (sub-micron micron range) and the effect of addition on the microstructure, mechanical, damping, corrosion and biocompatibility properties were studied and correlated with the adopted synthesis methodology. After detailed experimentation, Mg-Zn-eggshell composite displayed unmatched properties (compressive strength ~500 MPa, ductility ~35%, corrosion rate ~0.3 mm/y) surpassing the commercially used Mg-alloys (AZ31, AZ91, WE43). With the unique development approach adopted in this study, high-performance magnesium-based alloys/micro composites/nanocomposites are realized catering to applications in both transportation and biomedical sectors alike.