Ongoing

Development and Characterization of Mg-based Alloys for Orthopedic Implant Applications

Mg and its alloys have emerged as potential candidates for biodegradable orthopedic implant applications due to their outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties. However, their mechanical integrity in the physiological environments deteriorates rapidly due to fast degradation kinetics. Researchers have reported considerable enhancements in the properties of Mg-based alloys through alloying and thermomechanical treatments.

(a)

(b)

Fig: (a) Schematic of conventional SS and Mg-based RESOMET® implants placed for treatment of a radius fracture, (b) Radiographs comparing the degradability of the screws over 12 months

(Ref: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1518238113, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.09.005)

This work focuses on the development of Mg-based alloys and analysis of the effects of alloying elements on their microstructure and properties. Detailed microstructural and mechanical characterization at small and large length scales will be carried out through techniques like OES, Optical microscopy, SEM (including EDS and EBSD), XRD, and mechanical tests. It will also focus on evaluating the degradation properties of these alloys. In addition, we will also attempt to understand the effects of thermomechanical processing on these alloys.

Completed

  1. Finite Element Analysis of Shear Stress Distribution in SS 304 and Ti6Al4V substrates during reciprocation (SURGE-2020, IIT Kanpur)
    Mentor — Prof. Kantesh Balani

Finite Element Analysis was done using ANSYS Transient Structural solver. The shear stress profiles developed on flat substrates of SS 304 and Ti6Al4V subjected to reciprocation in four different geometries under dry and lubricated conditions were simulated. The results conformed with the experimental data indicating an increase in maximum shear stress with the complexity of the reciprocation path.

  1. Effect of Processing Temperature on Structure and Morphology of High Si Steel (Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal)
    Mentor — Dr. C. Sasikumar

This work focused on designing ultra-high-strength steel through various heat treatment techniques and assessing its structural and mechanical properties.