Precipitates in Mg-Ca-Zn alloy

Precipitates in Mg-Ca-Zn alloy

The Mg-Ca-Zn alloy is a biodegradable material of high interest in biomedical implant applications. Thus, it was critical to provide precise and trustful characterisation to analyze the microstructure of the alloy.


The surface of the sample alloy was inhomogeneous, presenting unclear microstructural features. Using AFM-in-SEM with the KPFM technique enabled us to find the area of interest and recognise Ca-precipitates to study them.


Measurement modes: KPFM, Topography


Litescope benefits:

  • Easy islands localization
  • Navigation to the ROI in SEM without risk of damaging the probe
  • KPFM for identifying the precipitate


Sample courtesy of the group of Jörg F. Löffler, Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology, ETH Zürich