Search

In this study, high-pressure torsion (HPT) was used to process austenitic 316LVM stainless steel at 20 °C and 400 °C. The effects of HPT on the microstructure, mechanical, and functional properties of the steel were investigated. By applying both HPT modes on the 316LVM steel, a nanocrystalline state with an average size of the structural elements of ~46–50 nm was achieved. The density of the dislocations and twins present in the austenite phase varied depending on the specific HPT conditions. Despite achieving a similar structural state after HPT, the deformation temperatures used has different effects on the mechanical and functional properties of the steel. After HPT at 20 °C, the yield strength of the 316L steel increased by more than nine times up to 1890 MPa, and the fatigue limit by more than two times up to 550 MPa, when compared to its coarse-grained counter-parts. After HPT at 20 °C, the 316LVM steel exhibited better ductility, higher low-cycle fatigue resistance, greater resistance to corrosion, and improved in vitro biocompatibility compared to processing at 400 °C. The reasons for the deterioration of the properties after HPT at 400 °C are discussed in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential medical Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys strengthened using high-pressure torsion (HPT) were investigated in this work. HPT led to a significant refinement of the microstructure of both alloys with the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure (UFG). The average grain size after HPT was ~700–800 nm for both alloys. The formation of the UFG structure led to an increase in the ultimate tensile strength of up to 401 ± 16 and 482 ± 12 MPa for the Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys, respectively. Additionally, a variation in ductility of the Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys of up to 56.3 ± 16.9% and 4.4 ± 0.6%, respectively, was also observed, apparently due to textural changes. HPT led to a small increase in the degradation rate of the alloys after 1 day of incubation in the medium. However, an increase in the incubation period of up to 30 days slowed down the degradation process and leveled the difference between the initial and HPT-treated state of the alloys. HPT did not affect the cytotoxicity of the Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloy and contributed to the reduction of hemolysis. Thus, the processing of the Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys using HPT accelerated their biodegradation without compromising their biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure, phase composition, corrosion and mechanical properties, as well as aspects of biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, of a Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Dy alloy after equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) were studied. The structure refinement after ECAP leads to the formation of elongated α-Zn grains with a width of ~10 µm and of Mg- and Dy-containing phases. In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that ECAP resulted in the formation of the basal texture in the alloy. These changes in the microstructure and texture lead to an increase in ultimate tensile strength up to 262 ± 7 MPa and ductility up to 5.7 ± 0.2%. ECAP slows down the degradation process, apparently due to the formation of a more homogeneous microstructure. It was found that the alloy degradation rate in vivo after subcutaneous implantation in mice is significantly lower than in vitro ones. ECAP does not impair biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo of the Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Dy alloy. No signs of suppuration, allergic reactions, the formation of visible seals or skin ulcerations were observed after implantation of the alloy. This may indicate the absence of an acute reaction of the animal body to the Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Dy alloy in both states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt to improve the functional characteristics of a degradable Fe-Mn-5Si shape memory alloy by means of structure refinement by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) was made. In the course of ECAP, an austenitic ultrafine-grained structure was obtained. In shear bands with a thickness of 301 ± 31 nm, twins 11 ± 1 nm in size were formed. Due to the resulting structure, the tensile strength was doubled up to 1419 MPa, and the yield strength was increased up to 1352 MPa, four times higher compared with the annealed state. Dynamic indentation tests revealed a decrease in Young's modulus by more than 2.5 times after ECAP compared to values measured in the annealed state. The results of the study of hemolytic and cytotoxic activity in vitro, as well as the local and systemic reactivity of the body of laboratory animals after implantation of the test samples indicate the biocompatibility of the alloy after ECAP. Biocompatibility, high specific strength and low modulus of elasticity open prospects for Fe-Mn-5Si alloy after ECAP to be used for the production of degradable implants that can effectively provide the fastening function in osteoreconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of constructing 3D scaffolds from degradable poly(3-hydrosbutyrpate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) using FDM technology and studying the structure, mechanical properties, biocompatibility in vitro, and osteoplastic properties in vivo are presented. In the process of obtaining granules, filaments, and scaffolds from the initial polymer material, a slight change in the crystallization and glass transition temperature and a noticeable decrease in molecular weight (by 40%) were registered. During the compression test, depending on the direction of load application (parallel or perpendicular to the layers of the scaffold), the 3D scaffolds had a Young's modulus of 207.52 ± 19.12 and 241.34 ± 7.62 MPa and compressive stress tensile strength of 19.45 ± 2.10 and 22.43 ± 1.89 MPa, respectively. SEM, fluorescent staining with DAPI, and calorimetric MTT tests showed the high biological compatibility of scaffolds and active colonization by NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, which retained their metabolic activity for a long time (up to 10 days). The osteoplastic properties of the 3D scaffolds were studied in the segmental osteotomy test on a model defect in the diaphyseal zone of the femur in domestic Landrace pigs. X-ray and histological analysis confirmed the formation of fully mature bone tissue and complete restoration of the defect in 150 days of observation. The results allow us to conclude that the constructed resorbable 3D scaffolds are promising for bone grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of microstructure, phase composition, mechanical properties, corrosion processes, and biocompatibility in vitro of the Zn–1%Mg and Zn–1%Mg–0.1%Ca alloys in an annealed state and after rotary swaging (RS) is presented. Partially recrystallized microstructure is formed in the studied alloys after RS at 200 °C. RS reduces the mass fraction of intermetallic phases in comparison with annealed states of the alloys. RS at 200 °C increases the strength of the Zn–1%Mg and Zn–1%Mg–0.1%Ca alloys up to 248 ± 9 and 249 ± 9 with the growth of ductility up to 10.3 ± 3% and 14.2 ± 0.9%, respectively. The structure after RS at 200 °C does not lead to a change in the corrosion resistance of the studied alloys. However, an increase in the incubation period of the alloys in a growth medium slows down the degradation process due to the formation of a film consisting of degradation products. Rotary swaging does not impair the biocompatibility of the Zn–1%Mg and Zn–1%Mg alloys, maintaining the viability and integrity of blood cells, preventing hemolysis, and ensuring the adhesion and proliferation of osteogenic cells on the surface of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential medical Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys strengthened using high-pressure torsion (HPT) were investigated in this work. HPT led to a significant refinement of the microstructure of both alloys with the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure (UFG). The average grain size after HPT was ~700–800 nm for both alloys. The formation of the UFG structure led to an increase in the ultimate tensile strength of up to 401 ± 16 and 482 ± 12 MPa for the Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys, respectively. Additionally, a variation in ductility of the Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys of up to 56.3 ± 16.9% and 4.4 ± 0.6%, respectively, was also observed, apparently due to textural changes. HPT led to a small increase in the degradation rate of the alloys after 1 day of incubation in the medium. However, an increase in the incubation period of up to 30 days slowed down the degradation process and leveled the difference between the initial and HPT-treated state of the alloys. HPT did not affect the cytotoxicity of the Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloy and contributed to the reduction of hemolysis. Thus, the processing of the Zn-1.7%Mg and Zn-1.7%Mg-0.2%Zr alloys using HPT accelerated their biodegradation without compromising their biocompatibility.

A study of the effect of high-pressure torsion (HPT) on the structure, phase composition, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and bioactivity in vitro of Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Ca alloy was performed. It was shown that HPT leads to refinement of the alloy microstructure with the formation of recrystallized α-Zn grains with an average size of 750 ± 30 nm, and grains of a mixture of different phases with a size of 38 ± 7 nm. In addition, precipitation of Ca-enriched particles ~20 nm in size was observed. X-ray phase analysis showed that the Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Ca alloy consists of five phases (Zn, Mg2Zn11, MgZn2, CaZn11 and CaZn13), whose volume fraction does not change after HPT. It was found that HPT does not lead to a deterioration in the corrosion resistance of the alloy. At the same time, HPT leads to an increase in the yield stress of the alloy from 135 ± 13 to 356 ± 15 MPa, the ultimate tensile strength from 154 ± 5 to 416 ± 31 MPa, and the ductility from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 5.5 ± 2.8%. No significant increase in hemolytic activity, bactericidal activity, and the ability to colonize the surface of the alloy by cells was revealed during the conducted studies. Additionally, there was no significant difference in these parameters in comparison with the control. However, HPT contributes to a decrease in the cytotoxicity of the alloy by an average of 10% compared to the annealed alloy. The conducted studies allow us to conclude that the Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Ca alloy is promising material for the development of biodegradable orthopedic medical implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt to improve the functional characteristics of a degradable Fe-Mn-5Si shape memory alloy by means of structure refinement by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) was made. In the course of ECAP, an austenitic ultrafine-grained structure was obtained. In shear bands with a thickness of 301 ± 31 nm, twins 11 ± 1 nm in size were formed. Due to the resulting structure, the tensile strength was doubled up to 1419 MPa, and the yield strength was increased up to 1352 MPa, four times higher compared with the annealed state. Dynamic indentation tests revealed a decrease in Young’s modulus by more than 2.5 times after ECAP compared to values measured in the annealed state. The results of the study of hemolytic and cytotoxic activity in vitro, as well as the local and systemic reactivity of the body of laboratory animals after implantation of the test samples indicate the biocompatibility of the alloy after ECAP. Biocompatibility, high specific strength and low modulus of elasticity open prospects for Fe-Mn-5Si alloy after ECAP to be used for the production of degradable implants that can effectively provide the fastening function in osteoreconstruction.

Zinc (Zn) and its alloys, as novel biodegradable metals, hold great potential in bone implant and metallic stents. Stannum (Sn), an essential trace element, plays an important role in maintaining life activities. Herein, Sn is selected as an alloying element to be added into the Zn matrix to explore the possibility of Zn–Sn alloy as a biodegradable metal for clinical application. This article systemically studies the effects of Sn content on microstructural, electrochemical behavior, corrosion rate, and in vitro biocompatibility of Zn–Sn alloys. Results indicate that the Sn‐rich phase is the main form of Sn in the as‐extruded alloys, and the solid solubility is in an extremely minute quantity. The corrosion of Zn–Sn alloys in conventional simulated body fluid (c‐SBF) solution shows apparent electrochemical characteristics, and Sn‐rich phases are corroded preferably. The corrosion rates of Zn–1.0Sn and Zn–2.0Sn are under 0.2 mm year−1, which can satisfy the requirement of biodegradable medical materials. In addition, Zn–1.0Sn exhibits much better cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility than Zn–2.0Sn. Therefore, Zn–Sn alloy shows great potential applications in the biological field and can be further studied and developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP) of austenitic 316L and Cr–Ni–Ti stainless steels was carried out. Effect of ECAP at 400°C on the evolution of the microstructure, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of these steels was investigated. The biocompatibility of samples with the ultrafine grain structure obtained in the ECAP process did not deteriorate in comparison with an austenitic 316L stainless steel in coarse‐grained state. However, this treatment enhances the multipotent mesenchymal stromal/stem cell proliferation by 26% for 316L steel and by 17% for Cr–Ni–Ti stainless steel in comparison with coarse‐grained counterparts. At the same time, ECAP contributes to a significant improvement in performance and weight reduction of medical devices, which is especially important for the creation of implanted prostheses for replacement of skeletal defects, due to significant increase in specific strength of steels. The strength properties of austenitic stainless steels were remarkably improved due to the grain refinement and deformation twinning resulted from ECAP at 400°C. After ECAP, the yield strength of 316L and Cr–Ni–Ti stainless steels increased by 4.2 and 2.9 times up to 950 and 900 MPa, and the fatigue limit by 2 and 1.7 times up to 500 and 475 MPa, respectively, comparing to coarse‐grained counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of both bioglass (BG) and β tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for bone replacement applications has been studied extensively due to the materials’ high biocompatibility and ability to resorb when implanted in the body. 3D printing has been explored as a fast and versatile technique for the fabrication of porous bone scaffolds. This project investigates the effects of using different combinations of a composite BG and β-TCP powder for 3D printing of porous bone scaffolds. Porous 3D powder printed bone scaffolds of BG, β-TCP, 50/50 BG/β-TCP and 70/30 BG/β-TCP compositions were subject to a variety of characterization and biocompatibility tests. The porosity characteristics, surface roughness, mechanical strength, viability for cell proliferation, material cytotoxicity and in vitro bioactivity were assessed. The results show that the scaffolds can support osteoblast-like MG-63 cells growth both on the surface of and within the scaffold material and do not show alarming cytotoxicity; the porosity and surface characteristics of the scaffolds are appropriate. Of the two tested composite materials, the 70/30 BG/β-TCP scaffold proved to be superior in terms of biocompatibility and mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds makes them unsuitable for load bearing applications. However, they can be useful for other applications such as bone fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed an amorphous Ti-Si-O thin film without any harmful element. Studies of the cellular response to this amorphous layer show that its cytocompatibility is comparable to a pure Ti used as a reference material. Meanwhile, the deposition of this amorphous thin film on a patterned Si surface was found to effectively modify the cellular behaviors, including cell attachment and cell proliferation. The development of such biocompatible TiSiO thin film with no toxic element provides new insights into the potential applications of amorphous materials in biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials have been prevalent joint replacement materials for more than 45 years because of their excellent biocompatibility and wear resistance. In this study, functionalized activated nanocarbon (FANC) was prepared by grafting maleic anhydride polyethylene onto acid-treated activated nanocarbon. A novel porous UHMWPE composite was prepared by incorporating the appropriate amount of FANC and pore-forming agents during the hot-pressing process for medical UHMWPE powder. The experimental results showed that the best prepared porous UHMWPE/FANC exhibited appropriate tensile strength, porosity, and excellent hydrophilicity, with a contact angle of 65.9°. In vitro experiments showed that the porous UHMWPE/FANC had excellent biocompatibility, which is due to its porous structure and hydrophilicity caused by FANC. This study demonstrates the potential viability for our porous UHMWPE/FANC to be used as cartilage replacement material for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]