Three-dimensional analysis of the microstructure and bio-corrosion of Mg–Zn and Mg–Zn–Ca alloys.

The effects of the morphology and the distribution of secondary phases on the bio-corrosion properties of magnesium (Mg) alloys are significant. Focused Ion Beam (FIB) tomography and Micro X-Ray computed tomography (Micro-CT) have been used to characterise the morphology and distribution of (α-Mg + MgZn) and (α-Mg + Ca 2 + Mg 6 + Zn 3 ) eutectic phase mixtures in as-cast Mg–3Zn and Mg–3Zn–0.3Ca alloys, respectively. There were two different 3D distributions: (i) an interconnected network and (ii) individual spheres. The tomography informed our understanding of the relationship between the distribution of secondary phases and the development of localized corrosion in magnesium alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]