Abstract:
In vitro electrochemical characterization and in vivo implantation in an animal model were employed to
evaluate the degradation behaviour and the biological activity of FeMnSi and FeMnSiCa alloys obtained using
UltraCast (Ar atmosphere) melting. Electrochemical characterization was based on open circuit potential measurement,
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques while the alloys
were immersed in Ringer's solution at 37 °C for 7 days. Higher corrosion rates were measured for the Cacontaining
material, resulting from inefficient passivation of the metal surface by oxy-hydroxide products. In
vivo osseointegration was investigated on a tibia implant model in rabbits by referring to a standard control
(AISI 316 L) stainless steel using standard biochemical, histological and radiological methods of investigation.
Changes in the biochemical parameters were related to the main stages of the bone defect repair, whereas
implantation of the alloys in rabbit's tibia provided the necessary mechanical support to the injured bone area
and facilitated the growth of the newly connective tissue, as well as osteoid formation and mineralization, as
revealed by either histological sections or computed tomography reconstructed images and validated by the
bone morphometric indices. The present study highlighted that the FeMnSiCa alloy promotes better osteoinduction
and osseconduction processes when compared to the base FeMnSi alloy or with AISI 316 L, and in
vivo degradation rates correlate well with corrosion resistance measurements in Ringer's solution.
