Different Effects of Varying Cryogenic Temperatures on Different Properties of a Biocompatible Mg-10Se Alloy

Mg has high potential as a base metal for biocompatible metallic implants due to its light weight, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties that are similar to bone. In the present study, Mg-10Se was synthesized via a powder metallurgy method followed by cryogenic treatment (CT). It was found that cryogenic exposure to −20 °C (RF20) resulted in the best combination of damping properties (38.5% and 12.1% gains in attenuation coefficient and damping capacity, respectively) and compressive yield strength (16.7%), while liquid nitrogen (LN) treatment (−196 °C) resulted in the best ultimate compressive strength (10% increase to 260 MPa), energy absorbed during compressive testing (17.5% increase to 40 MJ/m3), and optimal corrosion rate (reduction of 59.7% to 0.273 mm/year). This study clearly highlights the role and importance of not just compositional control in improving properties but that of cryogenic treatment temperature to selectively enhance the individual properties of metallic materials to best meet end application requirements.