Properties and parameters of novel biodegradable metallic alloys
AssigneeUniversity of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
InventorPRASHANT N. KUMTA
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Abstract
The invention relates to biodegradable, metal alloys, methods for their preparation and applications for their use. The alloys include magnesium and other components, such as, yttrium, calcium, zirconium, and zinc. These elements are alloyed together in specific combinations and amounts in order to achieve an alloy having desired properties and characteristics. In certain embodiments, strontium or cerium may be included as an additive. The resulting alloys are particularly suitable for forming various medical devices for implantation into the body of a patient.
Claims15
A biodegradable, metal alloy, consisting of:
- about 4.0 weight percent of yttrium;
- from about 0.5-0.6 weight percent of calcium;
- from about 0.6-1.0 weight percent of zirconium;
- about 2.0 weight percent of zinc;
- and
- a balance of magnesium including impurities, based on the total weight of the composition.
A biodegradable, metal alloy, consisting of:
- from about 4.0-4.5 weight percent of zinc;
- from about 0.3-0.5 weight percent of zirconium;
- and
- a balance of magnesium including impurities, based on the total weight of the composition.
A method of preparing a biodegradable, metal alloy, comprising:
- melting about 4.0 weight percent of yttrium, from about 0.5-0.6 weight percent of calcium, from about 0.6-1.0 weight percent of zirconium, about 2.0 weight percent of zinc, and a balance of magnesium including impurities, based on the total weight of the composition;
- obtaining a melted mixture;
- and
- casting the melt mixture to obtain said biodegradable, metal alloy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.