Mechanical properties and biocorrosion resistance of the Mg-Gd-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy processed by equal channel angular pressing.

A Mg-Gd-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy was processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 375 °C. The grain size of Mg-Gd-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy was refined to ~ 2.5 μm with the spherical precipitates (β 1 phase) distributing in the matrix. The mechanical properties of ECAPed alloy were significantly improved as a result of the grain refinement and precipitation strengthening. The corrosion rate of the ECAPed magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid dramatically decreased from 0.236 mm/a to 0.126 mm/a due to the strong basal texture and refined microstructure. This wrought magnesium alloy shows potentials in biomedical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]