Mechanical properties and biocorrosion resistance of the Mg-Gd-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy processed by equal channel angular pressing

An Overview on the Effect of Severe Plastic Deformation on the Performance of Magnesium for Biomedical Applications

There has been a great interest in evaluating the potential of severe plastic deformation (SPD) to improve the performance of magnesium for biological applications. However, different properties and trends, including some contradictions, have been reported. The present study critically reviews the structural features, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and biological response of magnesium and its alloys processed by SPD, with an emphasis on equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and high-pressure torsion (HPT). The unique mechanism of grain refinement in magnesium processed via ECAP causes a large scatter in the final structure, and these microstructural differences can affect the properties and produce difficulties in establishing trends. However, the recent advances in ECAP processing and the increased availability of data from samples produced via HPT clarify that grain refinement can indeed improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance without compromising the biological response. It is shown that processing via SPD has great potential for improving the performance of magnesium for biological applications.

Improved Corrosion Behavior of AZ31 Alloy through ECAP Processing

This study aims to establish the effects of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) processing on the corrosion behavior and hardness values of the AZ31 Mg alloy. The AZ31 billets were processed through ECAP successfully at 250 °C and their microstructural evolution was studied using optical and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The corrosion resistance of the AZ31 alloy was studied before and after processing through ECAP. The homogeneity of the hardness distribution was studied using both sections cut parallel and perpendicular to the extrusion direction. ECAP processing resulted in highly deformed central regions with elongated grains aligned parallel to the extrusion direction, whereas the peripheral regions showed an ultra-fine-grain recrystallized structure. After processing, small ultra-fine secondary particles were found to be homogeneously dispersed alongside the grain boundaries of the α-Mg matrix. Regarding the corrosion properties, measurements showed that ECAP processing through 1-P and 2-Bc resulted in decreasing their corrosion rate to 67.7% and 78.3%, respectively, of their as-annealed counterpart’s. The corrosion resistance of the ECAPed Mg alloy increased with the number of processing passes. This was due to the refinement of the grain size of the α-Mg matrix and secondary phases till ultra-fine size, caused by the accumulation of strain during processing. On the other hand, ECAP processing through 2-Bc resulted in increasing the Vickers hardness values by 132% and 71.8% at the peripheral and central areas, respectively, compared to the as-annealed counterpart.

Decreasing Bio-Degradation Rate of the Hydrothermal-Synthesizing Coated Mg Alloy via Pre-Solid-Solution Treatment

In this study, we report an effective approach, pre-solid solution (SS) treatment, to reduce the in-vitro bio-degradation rate of the hydrothermal-synthesizing coated Mg–2Zn–Mn–Ca–Ce alloy in Hanks’ solution. Pre-SS treatment alters the microstructure of alloys, which benefits the corrosion resistances of the substrate itself and the formed coating as well. The micro-galvanic corrosion between the secondary phase (cathode) and the α-Mg phase (anode) is relieved due to the reduction of the secondary phase. Meanwhile, coating formed on the SS-treated alloy was compacter than that on as-cast alloy, which provides better protection against initial corrosion.