Effect of Ca addition on microstructure and properties of porous Mg−1Zn−1Sn alloy scaffold prepared via 3D printed Ti template-infiltration casting

Abstract

The Mg−1Zn−1Sn and Mg−1Zn−1Sn−0.2Ca alloy scaffolds were prepared via infiltration casting using 3D-printed Ti templates to achieve complete and accurate control of the pore structure. The results indicate that the actual porosity and pore size of the prepared P model for each pore size are greater than the designed values. The addition of Ca changes the second phase of the alloy from Mg₂Sn to CaMgSn and refines its microstructure. The compressive yield strength and compressive modulus of the Mg−1Zn−1Sn−0.2Ca alloy scaffold reach 32.61 MPa and 0.23 GPa, respectively. The corrosion current density is measured at 14.64 μA/cm², with an instantaneous corrosion rate of 0.335 mm/a. Both scaffolds exhibit excellent biocompatibility and no cytotoxicity. Additionally, the antibacterial effects of both alloys on E. coli are greater than 97.81%. These results indicate that Mg alloy scaffolds have great potential for clinical applications.