Biodegradation mechanisms of selective laser-melted Mg–xAl–Zn alloy: grain size and intermetallic phase

Abstract

Grain size and intermetallic phase were two key factors affecting the biodegradation behaviour of Mg alloys. In the paper, different grain size and intermetallic phase volume fraction were obtained by introducing Al into Mg–Zn alloy via selective laser melting. Results showed that the grain size refined while the intermetallic phase volume fraction increased with Al increasing. As Al was less than 3 wt.%, the grain refinement was the major factor affecting the degradation behaviour. The finer grain would create many grain boundaries, making the alloy passivate readily and resulted in a reduced degradation rate. However, with Al further increasing, the intermetallic phase became the main factor influencing the degradation behaviour though grain size was further refined. The large intermetallic phase volume fraction caused severe galvanic corrosion, accelerating the degradation. This work may provide guidance for balancing grain size and intermetallic phase on degradation behaviour of Mg alloys.

Keywords

• degradation behaviour
• grain size
• intermetallic phase