Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Mg-Y-Ca-Zn Alloy for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Y, Zn and Ca were selected to develop a Magnesium alloy, Mg-Y-Ca-Zn for biomedical application due to the good biocompatibility of Zn and Ca elements. Microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion properties of the Mg-Y-Ca-Zn alloy have been investigated using both optical and scanning electron microscope. In the as-cast condition, primary α-Mg matrix and second phase are mainly distributed along grain boundary. After solution treatment, the distribution of second phase decreased and after aging, there are many second phases precipitated along the grain boundary and inside the grains. The hardness of as-cast samples was low and increased after solution treatment and aging. An aged sample had more corrosion resistance than as-cast and solution treatment alloys.