Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and In Vitro Degradation Behavior of a Novel Biodegradable Mg-1.5Zn-0.6Zr-0.2Sc Alloy

A novel Mg-1.5Zn-0.6Zr-0.2Sc (denoted as ZK21-0.2Sc) alloy was developed as potential biodegradable implant materials. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and in vitro degradation behavior of the as-cast ZK21-0.2Sc alloy were investigated and compared with ZK21 alloy and pure Mg. The ZK21 -0.2Sc alloy showed a single-phase structure with fine equiaxed grains. The alloy exhibited a good balance between strength and ductility. Both immersion tests and electrochemical tests showed that the ZK21-0.2Sc alloy had the lowest degradation rate in Hank's solution. The excellent degradation behavior of ZK21-0.2Sc alloy could be explained by the single-phase and fine grain structure, the more effective protection corrosion film, and the beneficial alloying effects of Zn, Zr and Sc. Copyright (C) 2015, The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology. Published by Elsevier Limited. All rights reserved.