(Digital Presentation) Electrodeposition of Thin Films of Femn Alloys for Biodegradable Scaffolds Fabrication

Abstract

Biodegradable metallic scaffolds are interesting biomaterials for applications in temporary implants for bone regeneration because of their good mechanical properties. In addition, the need for a second surgery to remove the implant is reduced if biodegradable metals are used. Fe has adequate mechanical properties for scaffolds manufacture and suitable biocompatibility. However, Fe shows slow biodegradation rates for the application and, therefore, different approaches have been developed such as the development of alloys or by reducing the thickness of the Fe strut in the scaffold. FeMn alloys are considered ideal materials, as they are not ferromagnetic. In addition, additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing) are considered appropriate to manufacture these scaffolds due to the ability to obtain complicated geometries and customized parts for a specific bone injury site. Electrodeposition is also an interesting technique because it allows the deposition of thinner strut walls of Fe (or alloys) with high purity, in addition to providing a good surface finishing. The aim of the first part of this work is to electrodeposit thin films of FeMn alloys and to evaluate its microstructure and mechanical properties. The thin films were electrodeposited potentiostatically from sulfate electrolytes with different concentrations of FeSO4 and MnSO4. The effect of deaeration, substrate material and electrodeposition potential were evaluated. The microstructure of the electrodeposited films was characterized by SEM/EDX and XRD. The surface finishing was evaluated by AFM and the mechanical properties by microhardness measurements.