Investigation of the microstructure and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg-Zn and Mg-Zn-Ca alloys

Yu Lu, Andrew Bradshaw, Yu Lung Chiu, Ian Jones

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Biomedical applications of magnesium alloys have attracted increasing attention due to their unique combination of advantages. However, the poor corrosion resistance is an obstacle to magnesium alloys being used as biodegradable materials. As zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) are non-toxic and recognized as nutritionally essential elements in the human body, in this study Zn and Ca were selected as alloying elements to produce suitable bio-corrosion properties. The grain size was reduced significantly from 141.4 μm to 97.3 μm by adding Ca. The bio-corrosion performance of the two alloys (Mg-3Zn and Mg-3Zn-0.3Ca) was characterized using immersion tests in simulated body fluid at 37 °C. The alloys were dominated by pitting corrosion. Heat treatment was used to alter the microstructure and influence further the corrosion rate. The correlation between microstructure and bio-corrosion rate was evaluated, in the light of the alloying elements and the heat treatment employed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials Science Forum
Pages788-792
Number of pages5
Volume765
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Event6th International Light Metals Technology Conference, LMT 2013 - Old Windsor, United Kingdom
Duration: 24 Jul 201326 Jul 2013

Publication series

NameMaterials Science Forum
Volume765
ISSN (Print)02555476

Conference

Conference6th International Light Metals Technology Conference, LMT 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityOld Windsor
Period24/07/1326/07/13

Keywords

  • Corrosion performance
  • Magnesium alloy
  • Microstructure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Investigation of the microstructure and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg-Zn and Mg-Zn-Ca alloys'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this