Scope of magnesium ceria nanocomposites for mandibular reconstruction: Degradation and biomechanical evaluation using a 3-dimensional finite element analysis approach

Abstract

Magnesium/Ceria nanocomposites (Mg/xCeO2 NCs (x = 0.5 %, 1 % and 1.5 %)) prepared by using powder metallurgy and microwave sintering method are assessed for their corrosion rate for a period of 28 days. As per the immersion tests results, the addition of ceria nanoparticles to pure Mg, brought about a noteworthy improvement to corrosion resistance. A corrosion rate of approximately 0.84 mm/year for Mg/0.5CeO2 and 0.99 mm/year for Mg/1.0CeO2 nanocomposites were observed. Another aspect of the study involves employing the simulation method i.e. finite element analysis (FEA) to compare the stress distribution in magnesium-ceria nanocomposite based screws and circular bars especially for Mg/0.5CeO2 and Mg/1.0CeO2. Further, the simulation also gives a perception of the impact of masticatory forces, the biting force and shear stress exerted on the Mg/0.5CeO2 and Mg/1.0CeO2 based screws. The simulations results show that the screws showed an acceptable level of stresses for a biting force up to 300 N. The circular bar as well kept its stresses at acceptable levels for the same load of 300N. The shear stress results indicated that a biting force up to 602 N can be safely absorbed by Mg/0.5CeO2 screw. The comprehensive approach allows for a better understanding of the corrosion behavior, stress distribution, and mechanical properties of the Mg/CeO2 nanocomposites, enabling the development of effective temporary implants for craniofacial trauma fixation that can withstand normal physiological forces during mastication. The study reported in this paper aims to target Mg/xCeO2 NCs for temporary implants for craniofacial trauma fixation.