In-vitro degradation behaviour of WE54 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid

Rare earths containing magnesium alloy. WE54, exhibited a marginally higher in-vitro degradation resistance than that of pure magnesium. Heat-treatment procedure had an influence on the degradation behaviour. However, comparing with AZ91 magnesium alloy the in-vitro degradation resistance of WE54 magnesium alloy was significantly lower, which suggests that the passivating capacity of rare earths is inferior to that of aluminium under in-vitro condition. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.