Enhanced mechanical and corrosion properties of NZ20K alloy by double extrusion and aging processes for biomedical applications

In order to refine and homogenise microstructure and to improve mechanical properties of the magnesium alloys for biomedical application, the Mg-2.0Nd-0.1Zn-0.4Zr (wt-%, NZ20K) alloy with low amount of alloying elements was processed by double extrusion and aging processes (DEAP). Compared to the NZ20K alloy after once extrusion and aging processes (OEAP), the microstructure becomes finer and more homogeneous, and the elongation is raised up similar to 121% by DEAP. Moreover, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength are improved similar to 27 and similar to 16% respectively. Additionally, the corrosion rate of the NZ20K alloy by the DEAP is a little slower than that of the OEAP. It can be concluded that the mechanical properties, as well as the corrosion resistance of the NZ20K alloy, are able to be enhanced by the double extrusion and aging processes.