Effects of Zn, Nd, and Ca addition on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of biodegradable Mg-Ag alloys

In this study, casting, extrusion, biocorrosion and corrosive wear properties of 0.5 wt.% (Zn, Ca, and Nd) element added Mg-3%Ag alloys were investigated. As a result of the experimental studies, it was observed that the grains in the Zn and Ca added as-cast alloys became thinner, and thus the mechanical properties of the investigated alloys such as yield strength and hardness were improved. At the same time, the applied extrusion process provided an increase in the mechanical properties by refining the grain structure of the investigated alloys. As a result of in vitro tests, larger pitting was observed in as-cast alloys, while smaller and shallower corrosion pits were observed in extruded alloys. In the corrosive wear tests, the wear rate of extruded alloys generally showed a decreasing trend. However, the composition of both as-cast and extruded Mg-3% Ag-0.5%Zn-0.5% Ca was the alloy that exhibited the lowest value in terms of the wear rate.