Executive Summary : | Traditional metallic implant materials like stainless steels, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys, and titanium alloys are used for internal fracture fixation devices, but they have medical complications like stress shielding, allergenicity, toxicity, and non-biodegradability. Magnesium-based materials have gained attention for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and near-bone elastic modulus. However, magnesium's low mechanical strength and excessive degradation rate in corrosive environments make it crucial to improve its strength and corrosion resistance. A recent study by the PI and Co-PI team found significant improvements in mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and in-vitro biological properties of silicon Nitride (si3N₄) reinforced Magnesium matrix nanocomposites, suggesting their potential use in temporary bone fracture fixation implants. Further research is needed to test these implants under in vitro conditions, assessing tribological behavior and potential tissue damage. |