Magnesium-based matrix composites reinforced with nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Abstract

This paper provides a mini-review on selected magnesium based materials focusing on the enhancements in mechanical properties observed with the addition of nanoparticles (NPs). The ability to improve mechanical properties with the use of smaller volume fraction of reinforcements while keeping density low makes magnesium nanocomposites an attractive choice for biomedical applications. The addition of nanoparticles to magnesium assists in enhancing multiple engineering properties that are critical for its widespread use and are superior to that exhibited by conventional micron-size particles containing composites. Metal matrix composites reinforced by NPs are very promising materials, suitable for a large number of applications. These composites consist of a metal matrix filled with NPs featuring physical and mechanical properties very different from those of the matrix. The NPs can improve the base material in terms of corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility, damping properties and mechanical strength.