MAGPLANT
The goal of MAGPLANT is to investigate localized corrosion processes on magnesium and magnesium alloys, in biologically relevant environments. As consequence of knowing “what happens” microscopically at the interface between Mg-alloys and biological media, a large improvement is expected on the future fabrication of these structures.
The project will develop in various stages contemplating multidisciplinary research topics. The first stage will embrace the development of microsensors that can be effectively used for local measurements on the near-surface of Mg-alloys, such as pH and H2 sensors. Localized corrosion techniques such as SVET and SIET will used during the following stages, where selected Mg-alloys will be studied in bio-simulated media of increasing complexity in order to build sustained and progressive knowledge. According to the essence and core objectives of Marie Curie Actions, these findings will be disseminated in multiple information channels in order to engage with different societal sectors and collect increasing attention from policy makers and relevant technological partners.
As main scientific outcome of this project it is expected that localized corrosion processes on magnesium become thoroughly understood. This will help to control the corrosion rate of the metal and its alloys, which are currently the main barrier to their widespread application in biotechnology and other fields. As load-bearing implants, magnesium alloys will comprise adjustable biodegradability, high biocompatibility and above all, increasingly fast and effective healing periods, which can produce remarkable socio-economic benefits for injured patients, while establishing Mg-based prosthetic devices as the optimal and safest solution for load- bearing implants.