Previously, implants made of magnesium-based alloys have been shown to dissolve in the body but emit hydrogen, which can be harmful.
The ETH Zurich researchers, however, have produced a magnesium-zinc-calcium alloy in the form of a metallic glass that permits degradation without harmful effects.
The metallic glass is produced by rapid cooling of molten material, allowing more zinc to be added to the molten magnesium than with conventional alloys.
The ETH Zurich researchers’ article on the process was published in the Sept. 27 issue of Nature Materials.
Read Science Daily’s report on metallic glass for bone surgery.
