Bioresorbable Fe-Mn-Si-X Alloys for Medical Implants

The present invention relates to bioresorbable Fe-Mn-Si-X metal alloys compositions, with controllable biodegradation rates and excellent mechanical properties, having the following composition in weight percent: iron from 65 wt% to 75wt%, manganese from 25 wt% to 35 wt% and silicon from 0.5 wt% to 6 wt%, the additional compositional element X consisting essentially of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of copper, gold, silver, platinum and combinations thereof. The combination of these elements with Fe-Mn-Si of the indicated composition, forming coherent precipitates, provides several advantages: promotes/increases corrosion speed and further improves strength. The main field of application for these alloys is for medical devices, in particular orthopedic implants, for fastening and temporary fixation of tissue implants and tissue transplants. Medical implants fabricated in accordance with the alloy compositions described in the invention will degrade homogenously and preferably dissolve completely within an adequate time frame.