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.

Keywords: Biting force; Corrosion; Magnesium; Shear stress; Von Mises stress.