Resorbable magnesium alloy

Abstract

A magnesium alloy shown includes magnesium as a principal ingredient, and 0.5 to 8.0 percent ytterbium; 0.1 to 2.0 percent calcium; and 0.2 to 6.0 percent zinc, percentages calculated by weight. The magnesium alloy may be employed as an implant. Examples of implants include a plate, specifically a bone plate, a screw, a nail, a bone nail, a stent, a rod. Implants made of the specified alloy are suitable for implantation in animal or human body.

1 . A magnesium alloy, comprising, by percentage of weight:
 0.5 to 8.0 percent ytterbium   0.1 to 2.0 percent calcium   0.2 to 6.0 percent zinc   
       wherein the balance up to 100% by weight is magnesium. 
     
     
         2 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising, as an alloy element, up to 4.0 percent by weight scandium. 
     
     
         3 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising, as an alloy element, up to 2.0 percent by weight yttrium. 
     
     
         4 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising, as an alloy element, 0.05 to 1.0 percent by weight manganese. 
     
     
         5 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising, as an alloy element, up to 1.0 percent by weight zirconium. 
     
     
         6 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising, as an alloy element, up to 2.0 percent by weight aluminum. 
     
     
         7 . An implant comprising the magnesium alloy of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . The alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy has a grain structure with grains of approximately 5 μm. 
     
     
         9 . The alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy has an age hardened hardness value of approximately 70 on a Vickers HV5 scale.