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A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Metals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 16081

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Xiaobo Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211167, China
Interests: biomaterials; material synthesis; material processing, biodegradable Mg alloy; biocompatibility; material characterization; mechanical property
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are glad to announce that Section 'Biobased and Biodegradable Metals' of Metals has opened a Special Issue entitled "Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals". The Special Issue collects papers from members of the editorial board and other well-respected colleagues. We also welcome contributions recommended by Editorial Board Members.

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish a set of papers with the best original articles, including in-depth reviews of state-of-the-art, original and up-to-date contributions involving biobased/biodegradable materials and biomedical materials. We hope that these papers will be widely read and have a great influence on the field. All papers in this Special Issue will be compiled into a printed book after the deadline and will be accurately promoted.

Specific research areas of interest for this Special Issue may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Biobased metals;
Biobased metallic composites;
Biodegradable metals;
Biodegradable metallic composites;
Biomedical materials (metals, metallic composites);
Coatings on biobased materials (metals, metallic composites);
Coatings on biodegradable materials (metals, metallic composites).

Prof. Dr. Xiaobo Zhang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

mechanical properties (strength, fatigue, wear, modulus, etc.)
corrosion/degradable properties
biocompatibility
biofunctionalization
bioactivity
cytotoxicity

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of a Novel Thermomechanical Processing Route on the Structural, Mechanical, and Corrosion Properties of a Biodegradable Fe-35Mn Alloy

by Kerolene Barboza da Silva, João Pedro Aquiles Carobolante, Roberto Zenhei Nakazato, Angelo Caporalli Filho and Ana Paula Rosifini Alves

Metals 2025, 15(4), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15040462 - 20 Apr 2025

Viewed by 117

Abstract

Recent studies have focused on developing temporary metallic implants made from biodegradable biomaterials, such as iron and its alloys, along with the associated manufacturing methods. These biomaterials allow the implant to gradually degrade after fulfilling its function, which reduces the risks of complications associated with permanent implants. Iron is particularly appealing from a structural standpoint, and adding manganese enhances its potential for use. The Fe-35Mn alloy demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and degradation characteristics, making it an ideal choice within the Fe-Mn system. As a result, new processing techniques can be applied to this alloy to further improve its performance. The objective of this research is to propose a new processing route and evaluate its impact on the properties of the Fe-35Mn alloy. The experimental alloy was produced using an arc melting furnace, followed by homogenization, hot swaging, and solution treatment. Alloy characterization was conducted using various techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microhardness testing, tensile strength measurements, Young’s modulus determination, and potentiodynamic polarization analysis. The microstructural evolution throughout the applied processing route was analyzed in relation to the alloy’s mechanical performance and corrosion resistance. The typical microstructure of the Fe-35Mn alloy is primarily composed of austenitic grains stabilized at room temperature. Its mechanical properties—yield strength (297 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (533 MPa), and elongation to failure (39%)—are comparable to, or even surpass, those of conventional biomedical materials such as 316 L stainless steel and pure iron. The reduced Young’s modulus (171 GPa), compared to other alloys, further underscores its potential for biomedical applications. Electrochemical testing revealed lower corrosion resistance than that of similar alloys reported in the literature, with a corrosion potential of −0.76 V and a current density of 3.88 µA·cm⁻², suggesting an enhanced corrosion rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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13 pages, 4983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Mg Content and Pulsed Magnetic Field Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of As-Cast Biodegradable Zn-3Cu Alloy

by Lizhen Shi, Hui Liu, Houqing Liu, Cong Peng and Ling Ren

Metals 2025, 15(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15020175 - 10 Feb 2025

Viewed by 678

Abstract

The microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of biodegradable Zn-3Cu-xMg (x = 0, 0.5, 1 wt.%) alloys with or without pulsed magnetic field treatment during casting were systematically investigated. Mg addition induced the formation of fine Mg₂Zn₁₁ precipitated along the matrix grain boundaries. With the increase in Mg content, the precipitation of the Mg₂Zn₁₁ phase increased, and the grain size became finer. Pulsed magnetic field treatment exacerbated the occurrence of this phenomenon. Under the combined action of the Mg₂Zn₁₁ phase and refined grain size, Zn3Cu0.5Mg alloy with pulsed magnetic field treatment had the best strength–ductility match (σ_UTS = 181.46 ± 1.06 MPa, δ = 3.95 ± 0.07%), moderate corrosion rate (i_corr = 5.69 ± 3.96 μA/cm²), positive cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties. This study indicated that Zn3Cu0.5Mg alloy with pulsed magnetic field treatment had the greater potential to further improve its properties through subsequent conventional metal-forming processing and severe plastic deformation techniques to meet clinical requirements, compared to existing as-cast Zn alloys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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18 pages, 3716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Processing of Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposites for Bioabsorbable Implants

by Andres Larraza, Shane Burke, Pedram Sotoudehbagha and Mehdi Razavi

Metals 2024, 14(12), 1318; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14121318 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 845

Abstract

A novel magnesium (Mg)-based metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) was fabricated using ultrasonic melt treatment to promote the de-agglomeration of the bioactive glass–ceramic nanoparticles and the homogenization of the melt. The cast samples were then heat treated, machined, and hot rolled to reduce grain size and remove structural defects. Standard mechanical and electrochemical tests were conducted to determine the effect of fabrication and processing on the mechanical and corrosion properties of MMNCs. Compression tests, potentiodynamic polarization tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and static immersion testing were conducted to determine the characteristics of the MMNCs. The results showed that the combination of ultrasonic melt processing and thermomechanical processing caused the corrosion rate to increase from 8.7 mmpy after 10 days of immersion to 22.25 mmpy when compared with the ultrasonicated MMNCs but remained stable throughout the immersion time, showing no statistically significant change during the incubation periods. These samples also experienced increased yield stress (135.5 MPa) and decreased elongation at break (21.92%) due to the significant amount of grain refinement compared to the ultrasonicated MMNC (

σ_{Y}

= 59.6 MPa, elongation = 40.44%). The MMNCs that underwent ultrasonic melt treatment also exhibited significant differences in the corrosion rate calculated from immersion tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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20 pages, 11914 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Corrosion Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Zn–Ti Alloys as Biodegradable Materials

by Alexandra-Tamara Șutic, Romeu Chelariu, Ramona Cimpoeșu, Ana-Maria Roman, Bogdan Istrate, Viorel Goanță, Marcelin Benchea, Mihaela Moscu, Adrian Alexandru, Nicanor Cimpoeşu and Georgeta Zegan

Metals 2024, 14(7), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14070764 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2374

Abstract

The influence of the chemical composition and structural state of Zn–Ti alloys on corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties was studied. Zn-based alloys were investigated, more precisely, pure technical Zn and Zn with 0.10, 0.25 and 1.00 wt.% Ti. The microstructure and chemical composition of these materials were analysed using light optical microscopy (LOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical composition of the alloys and the surface after immersion were analysed using an EDS detector from Bruker. The alloys’ electro-chemical corrosion resistance was further investigated through linear (LP) and cyclic (CP) potentiometry and open-circuit potential (OCP) analysis. A tensile/compression equipment (Instron 34SC-5) was used to determine the compression behaviour. UMT testing equipment was used to determine microhardness (by Rockwell indentation) and COF vs. length. For percentages higher than 0.25 wt.% Ti, the formation of a primary TiZn₁₆ intermetallic compound in the (α-Zn + TiZn₁₆) eutectic matrix was observed, a slight influence of TiZn₁₆ on the Zn corrosion resistance results, and a greater influence on the mechanical properties was confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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20 pages, 5359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A First-Time Investigation into Ecofriendly and Biocompatible Mg-Se Binary System for a Greener Earth

by Michael Johanes, Vasuudhaa Sonawane and Manoj Gupta

Metals 2024, 14(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14020163 - 28 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1515

Abstract

In this study, the Mg-15Se binary system was, for the first time, investigated and synthesized using the powder metallurgy (PM) method, including microwave sintering and hot extrusion. The resulting material was shown to possess visible pores with a porosity of 2.91%, higher than other Mg materials synthesized using this method in the literature. Despite this, the material not only exhibited a comparable corrosion response with pure Mg but also a significantly superior mechanical response (76% greater damping capacity, 57% increase in hardness, and increases of 21%, 50%, and 51% for compressive yield strength, ultimate compressive strength, and fracture strain, respectively). Thus, this not only opens the door for future work concerning the addition of medicinal Se to nutritional Mg element and the optimization of process parameters but also could potentially be making inroads into the biomedical field with the use of selenium as a biomedical-oriented alloying element. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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14 pages, 5991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dependence of Electrochemical Characteristics of a Biodegradable Fe-30Mn-5Si wt.% Alloy on Compressive Deformation in a Wide Temperature Range

by Pulat Kadirov, Yury Pustov, Yulia Zhukova, Maria Karavaeva, Vadim Sheremetyev, Andrey Korotitskiy, Alexandra Baranova and Sergey Prokoshkin

Metals 2023, 13(11), 1830; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13111830 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1471

Abstract

Fe-30Mn-5Si alloy subjected to a compression test at various deformation temperatures ranging from 350 to 900 °C with a strain rate of 1 s⁻¹ are studied. It was found that the Fe-30Mn-5Si alloy exhibits high resistance to the dynamic recrystallization process in a whole studied range of deformation temperatures. There are no differences in structure formation in the zone of action of tangential tensile stresses and peripheral and central zones of localized compressive stresses. The room-temperature X-ray diffraction study shows the presence of a single-phase state (FCC γ-austenite) after deformation temperature range from 350 to 700 °C and a two-phase state (FCC γ-austenite + HCP ε-martensite) after deformation test at 900 °C. The presence of a two-phase state provides a higher rate of biodegradation compared with a single-phase state. The changes in the biodegradation rate dependence on the structure change with an increase in the deformation temperature are explained. Favorable temperature regimes for subsequent thermomechanical processing are proposed based on the relationship between structure formation and biodegradation rate to obtain semi-products from the Fe-30Mn-5Si alloy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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16 pages, 4980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Mechanical and Biocorrosion Response of a MgZnCa Bulk Metallic Glass through Variation in Spark Plasma Sintering Time

by Bin Shi Jie Bryan, Kai Soon Fong, Chua Beng Wah, Sravya Tekumalla, Min Kyung Kwak, Eun Soo Park and Manoj Gupta

Metals 2023, 13(8), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13081487 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1636

Abstract

Development of metallic glasses is hindered by the difficulties in manufacturing bulk parts large enough for practical applications. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) has emerged as an effective consolidation technique in the formation of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) from melt-spun ribbons. In this study, Mg₆₅Zn₃₀Ca₅ melt-spun ribbons were sintered at prolonged sintering times (15 min to 180 min) via SPS under a pressure of 90 MPa and at a temperature of 150 °C (which is below the crystallization temperature), to provide an insight into the influence of sintering time on the consolidation, structural, and biodegradation behavior of Mg-BMGs. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of the surface, while the presence of the amorphous phase was characterized using X-ray diffraction and Electron Backscatter Diffraction. Pellets 10 mm in diameter and height with near-net amorphous structure were synthesized at 150 °C with a sintering time of 90 min, resulting in densification as high as 98.2% with minimal crystallization. Sintering at extended durations above 90 min achieved higher densification and resulted in a significant amount of local and partial devitrification. Mechanical properties were characterized via compression and microhardness testing. Compression results show that increased sintering time led to better structural integrity and mechanical properties. Notably, SPS150_90 displayed ultimate compressive strength (220 MPa) that matches that of the cortical bone (205 MPa). Corrosion properties were characterized via potentiodynamic polarization with Phosphate Buffered Solution (PBS). The results suggest that the sintered samples have significantly better corrosion resistance compared to the crystalline form. Overall, SPS150_90 was observed to have a good balance between corrosion properties (10× better corrosion resistance to as-cast alloy) and mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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14 pages, 7131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Mg–Gd–Cu–Zr Alloy for Degradable Fracturing Ball Applications

by Jiahao Jiang, Xue Geng and Xiaobo Zhang

Metals 2023, 13(3), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13030446 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1658

Abstract

Generally, excellent mechanical properties of Mg alloys are desired, but their rapid degradation properties are seldom utilized. Petroleum fracturing techniques are required to take full advantage of this rapid degradation. Therefore, we have prepared an as-extruded Mg–6.0Gd–1.2Cu–1.2Zr (wt.%) alloy and treated it with peak aging to analyze its potential as a degradable fracture ball. The results show that the as-extruded alloy mainly consists of an α-Mg matrix, second phase, and large elongated α-Mg grains (LEGs). After aging, the LEGs undergo static recrystallization, which improves the mechanical properties of the alloy, and a lamellar long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase is observed. Under simulated underground temperature conditions (93 °C), the ultimate tensile strength and elongation of both as-extruded and as-aged alloys are over Ȧ MPa and 11.1%, respectively, and the ultimate compressive strength and elongation of both alloys are over 336 MPa and 16.9%, respectively. The corrosion rate of the as-extruded alloy in 3 wt.% KCl solution at 93 °C reaches 1660.8 mm/y by mass loss test, and that of the as-aged alloy increases to 1955.1 mm/y. The atomic force microscope analysis result confirms that the second phase shows the highest corrosion potential, followed by the lamellar LPSO phase and α-Mg matrix. The as-extruded and as-aged Mg–6.0Gd–1.2Cu–1.2Zr alloy with good mechanical properties and a high corrosion rate in this work shows promising potential for degradable fracturing ball applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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87 pages, 14895 KiB

Open AccessReview

Corrosion of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: Causes, Concerns, and Mitigation Strategies

by António Fróis, Ana Cristina Santos and Cristina Santos Louro

Metals 2023, 13(12), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13121955 - 29 Nov 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5138

Abstract

The orthodontic supply market is a prosperous billion-dollar industry, driven by an increasing demand for orthodontic appliances. The supremacy of metallic first-generation biomaterials is evident for manufacturing brackets, archwires, bands, and other components due to their well-recognized chemical inertness, spontaneous passivation, biocompatibility, and favorable mechanical properties combination. However, the oral cavity is the ultimate corrosion-promoting environment for any metallic material. In this work, the general picture of the intraoral degradation of fixed orthodontic appliances is first addressed, from the causes to the harmful effects and their oral clinical implications. Current mitigation strategies are also pointed out, including the alloys’ bulk composition adjustment combined with new and advanced manufacturing processes and/or their surface treatment or coating deposition. The versatile use of thin films and coatings stands out with different deposition technologies: Many in vivo and in vitro efforts have been devoted to oral aging, from monolithic to composite architectures and micro- to nano-scale materials, to meet the best and safest oral practice demands. Unfortunately, literature data suggest that even the existing commercially available protective coatings have drawbacks and are fallible. Further multidisciplinary research is still required to effectively mitigate the corrosion behavior of fixed orthodontic appliances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals)

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