You are on page 1of 48

Accepted Manuscript

Effects of Zn concentration and heat treatment on the microstructure, mechanical


properties and corrosion behavior of as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys produced by powder
metallurgy
Yang Yan, Hanwen Cao, Yijun Kang, Kun Yu, Tao Xiao, Jie Luo, Youwen Deng,
Hongjie Fang, Hanqing Xiong, Yilong Dai
PII:

S0925-8388(16)33125-5

DOI:

10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.10.017

Reference:

JALCOM 39184

To appear in:

Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Received Date: 18 August 2016


Revised Date:

1 October 2016

Accepted Date: 3 October 2016

Please cite this article as: Y. Yan, H. Cao, Y. Kang, K. Yu, T. Xiao, J. Luo, Y. Deng, H. Fang, H. Xiong,
Y. Dai, Effects of Zn concentration and heat treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties and
corrosion behavior of as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys produced by powder metallurgy, Journal of Alloys and
Compounds (2016), doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.10.017.
This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to
our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo
copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please
note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all
legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

Effects of Zn concentration and heat treatment on the


microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of
as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys produced by powder metallurgy

RI
PT

Yang Yan a,b,d, Hanwen Cao b, Yijun Kang c, Kun Yu a,b,d,*, Tao Xiao c, Jie Luo a, Youwen Deng c,
Hongjie Fang a, Hanqing Xiong a,b,d, Yilong Dai a,b,d
a

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yantai Nanshan University, Yantai 265713,

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083,

M
AN
U

SC

China;

China;

The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;

State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Changsha 410083, China

TE
D

Abstract: Magnesium alloys have been regarded as potential degradable biomedical


materials due to their suitable mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility. In

EP

this study, Mg-Zn alloys were fabricated by powder metallurgy and then hot extruded.

AC
C

The effects of Zn concentration and heat treatment on their microstructure,


mechanical properties and corrosion behavior were investigated. The compression test
results showed that their mechanical properties were suitable for bone tissue
engineering. The corrosion behavior of Mg-Zn alloys was analyzed by immersion
tests and electrochemical tests in Ringers solution. The results revealed that the
increasing Zn concentration reduced the corrosion potential but increased corrosion
current because severe micro-galvanic corrosion was caused by more large-size

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
intermetallic phases. Although solid solution treatment could reduce intermetallic
phase amounts, it caused micropores on the surface. And these micropores could
resulted in the pitting corrosion and reduce the corrosion resistance. Notably, aging

RI
PT

treatment could reduce the segregation of Zn and promote the compactness and
uniformity of corrosion product layer on the surface, leading to the improvement of
corrosion resistance. In addition, the as-extruded Mg-6%Zn alloy (wt. %) aged for

SC

72h was harmless to L-929 cells in cytotoxicity test. Consequently, the as-extruded

M
AN
U

Mg-Zn alloys prepared by powder metallurgy are promising to develop to be ideal


biodegradable implants for bone tissue engineering.

Key words: Magnesium alloy; Heat treatment; Mechanical properties; Corrosion

1.Introduction:

TE
D

behavior; Cytocompatibility

In recent years, magnesium and its alloys have been widely studied as

EP

biodegradable implants due to their unique biodegradability and suitable mechanical

AC
C

properties [1-3]. Mg-based implants can be degraded and dissolved in the electrolytic
physiological environment like body fluids, which avoids an additional surgery to
remove these implants after bone tissues have completely healed [4]. The elastic
moduli of Mg-based implants match with those of nature bone, which can decrease
the stress shielding effect induced by a serious mismatch of moduli between natural
bone and other metal implants [5]. Besides, magnesium is one of the major essential
elements in the human body and involves in many metabolic reactions and biological

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
mechanisms [6]. So far, there is few report on toxic reactions caused by too much Mg
or Mg2+ [7]. Therefore, the magnesium alloys can be developed to the implants in both
unloaded and loaded applications [8].

RI
PT

However, magnesium alloys are susceptible to corroded rapidly when they are
contacted abundant aggressive ions as chlorine in body fluids, and the poor corrosion
resistance results in strength loss and limits their practical application for bone tissue

SC

engineering [9]. Meanwhile, the rapid degradation of magnesium alloys leads to the

M
AN
U

hydrogen bubble accumulation and the local pH value increase, which causes cell
death and tissue inflammation [10]. Unfortunately, most conventional magnesium
alloys with suitable corrosion rates, such as AZ31, AZ91, AM60B, and WE43, were
developed for industry applications, not for biomedical applications [11-13]. These

TE
D

alloys contain aluminum, manganese or rare earth elements (REE), which induce
latent toxic and harmful effects in the human body [14, 15]. Therefore, there is an
urgent demand to develop biodegradable magnesium alloys without Al, REE or other

EP

harmful elements for biomedical applications.

AC
C

Zinc is one of the most abundant nutritionally essential elements in human body
and the Zn-containing magnesium alloys have been paid more attention lately [16, 17].
Gu et al. [18] explored the corrosion rates of several magnesium alloys and pointed
out that Zn could be one of appropriate candidates. Cai et al. [19] found that the
corrosion resistance of Mg-Zn alloys could be improved with increasing Zn content in
the range from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. %, but 7 wt. % Zn addition resulted in a network
structure of MgZn intermetallic compounds and accelerated micro-galvanic corrosion.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Additionally, Zhang et al. [20] mentioned that the addition of 6 wt. % Zn to
magnesium matrix not only improved its mechanical properties but also decreased the
corrosion rate and exhibited good cytocompatibility. However, there are lack of

RI
PT

researches on the preparation and characterization of Mg-Zn alloys with high Zn


content. Therefore, the Mg-Zn alloys with different Zn concentration were designed
and investigated in this study.

SC

The preparation plays an important role in the material characterization. M.

M
AN
U

Carboneras et al. [21] found that the pure magnesium prepared by powder metallurgy
has better mechanical properties than those of pure magnesium prepared by casting
due to its finer grain size. Meanwhile, K. Yu et al. [22] found that the mechanical
properties and corrosion behavior of the 5wt. %, 10wt. % and 15wt. %

TE
D

-Ca3(PO4)2/Mg-6wt%Zn composites prepared by powder metallurgy were both


suitable for bone tissue engineering. Hence, powder metallurgy can be used as a
potential method to prepare biomedical Mg-based alloys and composites. The

EP

properties of magnesium-matrix composites prepared by powder metallurgy are

AC
C

related to not only the reinforcement but also the magnesium alloy matrix. Therefore,
it is important to study magnesium alloys prepared by powder metallurgy and the
results will be a basis for the following research on Mg-based composites.
The microstructure generally influences mechanical properties and corrosion

behavior of biodegradable magnesium alloys [23, 24]. It is reported that hot extrusion
can greatly enhance mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of magnesium
alloys through grain refinement and redistribution of second phases [25-27].

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Meanwhile, heat treatments can be effective methods to modify the grain sizes and the
morphology of second phases, resulting to change the mechanical strengths and
corrosion rates of magnesium alloys [24, 28, 29]. It is reasonable to assume the

RI
PT

suitable heat treatment which can significantly improve the mechanical properties and
corrosion resistance of as-extruded magnesium alloys prepared by powder metallurgy.
According to the Mg-Zn binary phase diagram, the maximum solubility of Zn in
and the alloy reaches a eutectic point at 375

SC

Mg is 6.2 wt.% at 325

when the

M
AN
U

content of Zn is 42wt. % [30]. In this study, different Mg/Zn atomic ratios were
chosen and 6wt. %, 14.5wt. %, 25.3wt. % and 40.3wt. % Zn-Mg alloys were prepared
by power metallurgy and then hot extruded. The extruded samples were imparted by
T4, T5 and T6 respectively and a comprehensive investigation of the microstructure,

TE
D

mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of the MgZn alloys were studied.

2.Materials and methods

EP

2.1 Materials preparation

AC
C

The Mg-x wt. % Zn (x=6.0, 14.5, 25.3 and 40.3) alloys were prepared by powder
metallurgy and the chemical composition of all experimental alloys was examined by
inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) in this
investigation to ascertain the Zn concentration. The average diameter of the Mg and
Zn powders used in the experiment was about 23.0 m and their purity was greater
than 99.95%.The Mg and Zn powders were mixed together for 8 h and the mixed
powders were cold pressed to billets. And the billets were sintered at 500-550

for 2

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
h in a vacuum sinter furnace under argon gas. The exact optimistic sintered
temperature of the Mg-Zn alloys was conducted in this investigation by differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC; WCT-ZA) under a high-purity argon atmosphere and the

40.3wt. %Zn-Mg alloys were 545

, 532

respectively. Then, the billets were preheated at 350

RI
PT

optimistic sintered temperatures of 6.0wt. %, 14.5wt. %, 25.3wt. % and


, 520

, 505

for 2h and extruded at that

SC

temperature with an extrusion ratio of 15:1 into bars. Finally, the bars were imparted

M
AN
U

by T4, T5 and T6 respectively. The abbreviation of different state alloys were showed
at Table 1. Three samples were tested for each state of alloys in each experiment and
the average values were presented as the results.

TE
D

2.2 Microstructure and composition characterization

The metallography of Mg-Zn alloys was observed by a Polyvar-MET


metallographic microscope. The metallography samples were ground to 1000 grit

EP

paper, polished using 1 mm diamond paste and etched by the solution consisting of 1g

AC
C

oxalic acid, 1ml nitric acid, 1ml acetic acid and 150ml distilled water. The surface
morphology of Mg-Zn alloys before and after immersion was observed using a
Quanta-200 scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive
X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The phase identification and the corrosion products were
identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD; DMAX-2500X) using CuK radiation with a
wavelength of 1.5406 .

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
2.3 Porosity measurement and mechanical properties
The samples for porosity measurement and mechanical properties were a diameter
of 10 mm and thickness of 20mm. The porosity of Mg-Zn alloys was measured using

RI
PT

Archimedes Principle. The dimensions of the sample were measured using a Vernier
callipers to produce a total volume (V). The dry weight (mdry) measured with an
analytical balance. And then the sample was dipped into in deionized water and

SC

suspended from an analytical balance to obtain wet weight (mwet). All weights were in

M
AN
U

grams and was the density of deionized water (1 g/cm3). Thus, the porosity () of
the sample was calculated based on the following formula [31]:

= 100[1

mdry mwet

] .........................................................................................Eq1

2.4 Immersion tests

TE
D

The compression tests of the Mg-Zn alloy specimens were measured by MTS810.

EP

The immersion tests included weight change testing and hydrogen collection testing.
The samples with 10mm5mm for the immersion tests were ground with 1000 grid

AC
C

SiC sandpaper and cleaned with ethanol.


Weight change testing was performed in Ringers solution at 37 0.2

for 96

hours. The Ringers solution contains 8.6 g of sodium chloride, 0.3 g of potassium
chloride, and 0.33 g of calcium chloride per liter [5]. The temperature of the solution
was controlled with an HTW-10B water bath. The ratio of the solution volume to
sample surface area was 20 ml/cm2 [32]. The original pH value of the Ringers
solution was adjusted to 7.4 to simulate the human body environment. The pH values

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
were recorded using a PHSCAN10 pH sensor during the experiment. After immersion,
the samples were washed by distilled water and then dried. The weight change
(remainder) was measured by electronic balance.
up

RI
PT

Hydrogen collection testing was carried out in Ringers solution at 37 0.2

to 96 hours. The Ringer's solution was renewed every 24 h in order to maintain a


relatively stable immersion environment. Hydrogen bubbles generated from the

SC

soaked samples were collected into a measuring cylinder and the amount of hydrogen

M
AN
U

could be measured from the different heights of the Ringers solution.

2.5 Electrochemical tests

The samples with dimensions of 10mm5mm and an exposed area of 1cm2 for the

TE
D

electrochemical test were ground with 1000 grid SiC sandpaper and cleaned with
ethanol. The electrochemical test was carried out at 37 0.2 C by a standard
three-electrode configuration (platinum mesh as counter, saturated calomel as
and

the

alloy

EP

reference

as

working

electrode)

with

CHI660C

AC
C

potentiostat/galvanostat system. The polarization curve was starting in a fixed value


of -1.3V~ -1.9V at a scan rate of 0.5 mVs1. Before the measurements, open circuit
potential was tested until it was stabilized. The corrosion potential (Ecorr), corrosion
current density (Icorr) and polarization resistant (Rp) of MgZn alloys were estimated
by Tafel extrapolation method.

2.6 Cytocompatibility assessments


The cytotoxicity of the as-extruded Mg-6%Zn alloys after aging treatment was

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
measured via indirect contact testing according to ISO 10993-5:1999. The
experimental samples were cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagles medium (DMEM)
with 10% fetal bovine serum in an incubator at 95% relative humidity and 5% CO2 at

10%

dilutions.

The

DMEM

acted

as

RI
PT

37 0.2 C. The culture medium was replaced by 100% extraction medium or 50% or
negative

control.

3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was then

SC

dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at a concentration of 5 mgml-1. The

M
AN
U

extraction medium was prepared by incubating the samples for 1, 4, and 7 days.
Subsequently, 100 ml of formazan solution was added to each sample, and the optical
density (OD) was measured using a spectrophotometer. The cell relative growth rate
(RGR) was calculated as follows [11]:

TE
D

RGR =ODtest/ODnegative 100%.................................................................................Eq2

3. Results and discussion

EP

3.1 Microstructure of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys

AC
C

Fig. 1(a), (b), (c) and (d) show the microstructure of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys
with different Zn concentrations. E1 (Fig. 1(a)) consisted of fine equiaxed grains and
row elongated grains, which were resulted from partial dynamic recrystallization
during hot extrusion [33]. As Fig. 1(b), (c) and (d) shown, more and larger coarse
intermetallic phases appeared with the increasing Zn concentration.
Fig. 1(a), (e), (f) and (g) show the microstructure of the as-extruded Mg-6%Zn
alloys imparted by different heat treatments. Compared E1, the grain size of E1-T5

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
increased slightly after aging treatment and its grain boundaries were much clearer
and more regular (Fig. 1(e)). For E1-T4 and E1-T6, the grain sizes increased
obviously after solid solution treatment and several micropores were found on the

RI
PT

surfaces (Fig. 1(f) and (g)). During the solid solution treatment, Mg and Zn powers
could violently diffuse at 450C and the volume shrinkage could be produced by the
different diffusion rates of Mg and Zn [34]. However, the samples were in the absence

SC

of pressure, which was different from the sintered process under full pressure and hot

M
AN
U

extrusion. Therefore, the volume shrinkage could not be reduced and was developed
to micropores with incomplete compaction [35].

3.2 XRD patterns of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys

TE
D

XRD patterns of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys are presented in Fig. 2. The XRD
results demonstrated -Mg and MgZn peaks were identified in E1 [20]. When Zn
reached 14.5wt%, MgZn2 and Zn peaks were detected and diffraction intensities of

EP

MgZn phase increased in E2. With Zn concentration further increasing, MgZn peaks

AC
C

decreased and the diffraction intensities of MgZn2 phase and Zn increased in E3 and
E4. Notably, the diffraction intensities of MgZn phase in E1-T5 were higher than
those of E1 due to the more MgZn precipitation during aging treatment. Besides, the
diffraction intensities of MgZn phase in E1-T4 and E1-T6 were significantly lower
than those in E1 and E1-T5, which could be explained that MgZn phase could be
dissolved during solid solution treatment.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
3.3 SEM images and EDS analysis of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys
The SEM images and EDS analysis of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys are shown in
Fig. 3. In Fig. 3(a)-(d), plenty of strike-like and coarse intermetallic phases were

RI
PT

observed along the extrusion direction and their amounts increased with the
increasing Zn concentration. According to the Mg/Zn ratio of EDS analysis in Fig.
3(c), it was showed that transit order of intermetallic phase was -Mg - MgZn -

SC

MgZn2 - Zn from magnesium matrix to Zn particles. According the Kirkendall effect,

M
AN
U

the Mg-Zn intermetallic phases were formed at the interface of Mg and Zn due to the
diffusion of Mg and Zn powders [36]. And the diffusion of Zn in hcp Mg is faster than
that of Mg in hcp Zn, because the activation energy for Zn to migrate is less than that
of Mg and the atomic radius of Zn is smaller than that of Mg [37]. Therefore, the

TE
D

excess Zn will diffuse towards the Mg side during the sintered process and the Mg-Zn
intermetallic phases toward the Mg matrix showed the less Zn atomic content.
Combining with XRD patterns and EDS analysis, it was confirmed that MgZn

EP

phase along extrusion direction was the dominant intermetallic phase of E1 and E2

AC
C

(Fig. 3(a) and (b)). And MgZn2 phase was found in central of MgZn phase and a small
quantity of Zn was observed in center of strike-like and coarse intermetallic phases in
E2 (Fig. 3(b)). When more Zn added, considerable amount of intermediate phases
were formed in E3 and E4 (Fig. 3(c) and (d)), and MgZn phase decreased and more
MgZn2 phase was formed and more Zn retained. And most intermetallic phases were
MgZn2 phase in E4 (Fig. 3(d)).
The strike-like MgZn phases of E1-T5 (Fig. 1(e)) were reduced after aging

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
treatment and some fine intermetallic phases were found as the arrows indicated. It
was demonstrated that aging treatment had two effects on microstructure of the
as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys prepared by powder metallurgy: 1, Reducing the strike-like

RI
PT

Mg-Zn intermetallic phases; 2, Precipitating the fine intermetallic phases. After solid
solution treatment (Fig. 1(f) and (g)), most of strike-like MgZn phases of E3 and E4

SC

were decreased completely but some micropores were found (black region).

M
AN
U

3.4 Porosity and mechanical properties of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys


Table 2 summarizes the porosity and mechanical properties of the as-extruded
Mg-Zn alloys in comparison with those of natural bone, Ti-based alloys and stainless
steels [38, 39]. The compressive strengths of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys were much

TE
D

higher than those of natural bone, and the elastic moduli and densities were close to
those of natural bone. Compared with E1, E2, E3 and E4, the YS, UCS and elastic
modulus values firstly got an obvious improvement with increasing Zn concentration

EP

and reached the highest value when Zn concentration got 14.5wt%. And then they

AC
C

showed the considerable reductions with more Zn concentration. In contrast, their


elongations followed the opposite order. According to the Orowan relationship, the
enhancement of strengths and moduli were mostly attributed to the dispersion
strengthening of intermetallic phases and Zn particles [40]. However, when Zn
concentration got 25.3% and 40.3% (E3 and E4), the area of intermetallic phases and
Zn particles was so large that crack sources could be easily caused at the interface of
intermediate phases and the matrix [28, 33]. Therefore, the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
with Zn concentration no more than 14.5% were more suitable for bone implant
applications.
Compared E1 and E1-T5, the YS, UCS and elastic modulus values could be

RI
PT

weaken by enlarging the grain size slightly during aging treatment. Thus, the
mechanical properties of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys could be modified by
changing aging treatment time for matching strengths and moduli of nature bone. The

SC

mechanical properties of E1-T4 and E1-T6 exhibited a sharp drop and their porosities

M
AN
U

were obviously higher because the micropores caused by solid solution treatment
could be developed crack sources [35]. It is noted that aging treatment could decrease
porosity and reduce strike-like intermetallic phases to a more homogenous
distribution. The elimination of porosity means the reduction of micropores which

TE
D

could act as stress concentrators and be easily developed to the fracture cracks and
reduced the load-bearing capacity of material [35]. Besides, the homogenization of
intermetallic phase could reduce spatial heterogeneity and improve the mechanical

EP

properties [22].In conclusion, the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys imparted by suitable

AC
C

aging treatment can offer enough mechanical properties for orthopedic applications.

3.5 In vitro immersion tests of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys


Immersion tests plays an important role in evaluating the corrosion behavior of

Mg-Zn alloys in simulated body fluid. When immersed in Ringers solution, the
Mg-Zn alloys release H2 gas and are converted by corrosion products such as
Mg(OH)2, according to Eq3 [41].

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
MgMg2+ + 2e- (anodic reaction)
2H2O +2eH2 + 2OH- (cathodic reaction)
Mg+2H2OH2 + Mg (OH)2 (overall reaction).........................................................Eq3

RI
PT

Zn can be oxidized into Zn2+ (Eq4) and Mg is able to remove some Zn2+ (Eq5)
because Mg is more active than Zn, then Zn2+ react with OH- to form Zn(OH)2 near
the sample surface (Eq6) [42-44].

SC

ZnZn2++2e-.............................................................................................................Eq4

M
AN
U

Mg+Zn2+Mg2++Zn................................................................................................Eq5
Zn+2H2OH2 + Zn (OH)2.......................................................................................Eq6
Though the metal hydroxides can be precipitate on the surface and from the
protective film, chloride ions in the Ringers solution dissolve them and transform

TE
D

into soluble MgCl2 or Zn2+ [1]. Compared with Mg(OH)2, the solubility of Zn(OH)2
are much lower than Mg(OH)2, moreover Zn(OH)2 can be changed to stable ZnO,
which can enhance the protectiveness of the passive film[43, 45].

EP

Zn(OH)2ZnO+H2O................................................................................................Eq7

AC
C

Fig. 4 shows the pH value variation in the Ringers solution is as a function of


immersion time. The increase of pH value was attributed to the generation of extra
OH and a lower increasing rate of pH value represents a lower corrosion rate [46].
The pH values of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys increased significantly at initial 24h
of immersion, and then grow slowly and stabilized the peak values. It was because the
whole sample surface was exposed to the Ringers solution at the beginning of
immersion and the corrosion rates were high. Then the increasing pH values promoted

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
more corrosion products adhered on the surface and reduced the reaction area with
Ringers solution, resulting the corrosion rate reduction [47]. Finally, the formation of
corrosion product and the dissolution of corrosion product caused by chloride ions

RI
PT

reached the dynamic balance and pH value was stable [3]. The sequence of the
stability pH values at 40h was E1-T5 < E1 < E1-T6 < E1-T4 < E2 < E3 < E4.
However, the excessively high pH value can lead to cell death and bone tissue

M
AN
U

more suitable for bone implant applications.

SC

inflammation [11, 48]. Therefore, E1 and E1-T5 with lower stability pH values are

Fig. 5 shows the hydrogen evolution of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys during 96
hours of immersion. The hydrogen volume increased with immersion time prolonging
and hydrogen evolution rate during 96 hours of immersion increased in the order of

TE
D

E1-T5 < E1 < E1-T6 < E1-T4 < E2 < E3 < E4, which revealed corrosion rates.
Fig. 6 demonstrates the weight change (remainder) of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys

Eq8

EP

in Ringers solution for 168 h of immersion. The weight change was determined by

AC
C

C= (m1-m0)/m0...........................................................................................................Eq8
where C is the remainder, m1 is the weight with different immersion time and m0 is

the original weight. In this experiment, the samples were dried and weighed without
removing corrosion product. In this case, the sample remainder could more clearly
reflect the integrity, and a higher remainder meant a better integrity and a lower
strengths loss. At 96h, the remainder of E1-T4, E1-T6, E2, E3 and E4 dropped faster
than that of E1 and E1-T5. Consequentially, the immersion test results showed E1-T5

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
had the highest corrosion resistance.

3.6 XRD patterns of corrosion products

RI
PT

Fig. 7 shows the XRD patterns of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys after immersion in
Ringers solution for 72 h. The Mg, Mg(OH)2 and ZnO peaks were observed. The
Mg(OH)2 was the main corrosion product and the Mg(OH)2 peak values displayed

SC

higher with increasing Zn concentration. In addition, ZnO peaks appeared when Zn

with more Zn concentration.

M
AN
U

concentration was more than 14.5 and the higher ZnO peak values also were showed

3.7 Corrosion surface morphology of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys

TE
D

Fig. 8 shows the surface morphology of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys after
immersion in Ringers solution for 72h. Some strike-like Mg(OH)2 was adhered on
the surface of E1 along the extrusion direction (Fig. 8(a)). It was because that

EP

magnesium matrix around the intermetallic phases was preferentially attacked due to

AC
C

micro-galvanic corrosion and corrosion products were attached [49]. However, the
Mg(OH)2 layer could not cover the whole of alloy matrix completely and the surface
exposed to Ringers solution would be further corroded. The surfaces of E2, E3 and
E4 (Fig. 8(b), (c) and (d)) were covered with plenty of corrosion products and some
deep corrosion pits were found. The depth and number of corrosion pits increased
with the increasing Zn concentration. The enlarged views of the corrosion pits showed
that corrosion cracks existed on the pit walls where Ringers solution could permeate

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
through the corrosion product layer and react with the fresh alloy matrix [47]. The
more Zn concentration caused more large-size intermetallic phases which accelerated
micro-galvanic corrosion and reduced the corrosion resistance [49, 50]. And the EDS

RI
PT

analysis at the corrosion products of E2 identified Mg(OH)2 and ZnO.


The homogeneous corrosion product layer covered the surface of E1-T5 completely
(Fig. 8(e)). And from the high magnification morphology, the corrosion product layer

SC

was compact and almost no crack was found, which indicated the corrosion product

M
AN
U

layer could effectively provide alloy matrix from Ringers solution and reduce the
further corrosion. The uneven corrosion product layer with the large-sized peeling
were observed on the surface of E3 and E4 (Fig. 8(f) and (g)). It could be explained
that the micropores prepared by solid solution treatment promoted the accumulation

TE
D

of Cl- and resulted in the severe pitting corrosion and localized corrosion.
In order to further the study corrosion behavior of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys,
the sample surfaces with corrosion products removed are showed in Fig. 9. The

EP

corrosion products were removed using a boiling 20% chromic acid +1% AgNO3

AC
C

solution and cleaned by absolute ethanol. The same strike-like corrosion pits on the
surface of E1 and E1-T5 were found (Fig. 9(a) and (e)). And the corrosion product
layer of E1-T5 with shallower corrosion pits was flatter and more uniform, and the
localized corrosion was more difficult to occur [28]. As Fig. 9(b), (c) and (d) shown,
the area of Zn and Mg-Zn intermetallic phases retained but the magnesium matrix
disappeared, which proved that their galvanic corrosion was serious. E1-T4 and
E1-T6 were attacked severe local corrosion (Fig. 10(f) and (g)). Solid solution

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
treatment reduced the amount of intermetallic phases and micro-galvanic corrosion,
however, micropores were caused at the same time and decrease their corrosion
resistance.

RI
PT

The results indicated that lower Zn concentration and aging treatment enhanced
corrosion resistance of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys by impart their microstructure.
E1-T5 with fine grain and more uniform intermetallic phase distribution showed the

M
AN
U

SC

highest corrosion resistance.

3.8 Electrochemical test of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys

The polarization curves of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys immersed in Ringers


solution were shown in Fig. 10. The anodic polarization curves of the as-extruded

TE
D

Mg-Zn alloys presented passivize stages due to the presence of protective layer on the
surface [51]. And the cathodic polarization curves were associated with hydrogen
evolution reactions [52]. Ecorr values of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys with different

EP

Zn concentrations increased in the following order: E1 < E2 < E3 < E4, which

AC
C

indicated the adding Zn more than 6% had a positive influence on Ecorr [53]. Besides,
Icorr values increased and Rp values decreased with the increasing Zn concentration
and E1 presented better corrosion resistance because more adding Zn resulted in more
intermetallic phases and Zn particles that acted as a cathode during the micro-galvanic
corrosion and caused more severe corrosion [54, 55].
The Ecorr of E1-T4 and E1-T6 were more positive than that of E1, but the Icorr was
higher and Rp was much lower. It was because that solid solution treatment reduced

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
the intermetallic phase amount and enhanced corrosion potential, however, the
micropores formed during the solid solution treatment increased the corrosion current
density and decreased the corrosion resistance. Compared E1 and E1-T5, it could be

RI
PT

found that aging treatment could enhanced Ecorr, which was agree with previous
results [56]. And E1-T5 showed the lowest Icorr and the highest Rp of all as-extruded
Mg-Zn alloys because aging treatment could reduce strike-like intermetallic phases

3.9 Cytocompatibility test

M
AN
U

SC

and lead to more uniform Zn distribution for improvement of corrosion resistance.

According to the above investigations, E1-T5 demonstrated the best corrosion


resistance in Ringers solution. Thus it was selected as the objects of investigation in

TE
D

cytocompatibility tests. In this experiment L-929 cells were cultured in different


extracts with concentrations of 100, 50 and 10% and the extraction medium were
prepared by incubating the samples for 1, 4, and 7 days. The RGRs of the L-929 cells

EP

are shown in Fig. 11. The results showed that no significant differences could be

AC
C

detected between the RGRs of the cells in the extracts and those in the negative
control. According to the ISO 10993-5:1999 standard, the cytotoxicity of these
extracts of E-T5 was grade 01. Thus, the as-extruded Mg-6%Zn alloy imparted by
aging treatment was innocuous and was suitable for cellular applications.

Conclusions
1. The as-extruded MgZn alloys prepared by powder metallurgy consisted of fine

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
equiaxed grains and row elongated grains. With the increasing Zn concentration, more
strike-like and coarse intermetallic phases were found. When adding Zn was 6%
(wt. %) and 14.5%, MgZn phases were the dominant intermetallic phases and when

RI
PT

the addition of Zn reached 25.3% and 40.3%, plenty of MgZn2 phases and Zn were
formed. From Mg matrix to the central of Zn particle, transit order of intermetallic
phase was -Mg - MgZn - MgZn2 - Zn, which demonstrated the diffusion between Mg

SC

and Zn. The solid solution treatment could increase grain size obviously and decrease

M
AN
U

most strike-like intermetallic phases, but it also caused micropores on the surface due
to Kirkendall effect. The aging treatment had two effects on microstructure of the
as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys: 1, Reducing the strike-like intermetallic phases; 2,
Precipitating the fine intermetallic phases.

TE
D

2. The compressive strengths of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys were much higher
than those of natural bone and the elastic moduli were close to that of natural bone.
When Zn concentration got 14.5wt%, the YS, UCS and modulus values reached the

EP

highest value due to Orowan relationship. With further increasing Zn concentration,

AC
C

the large-sized strike-like and coarse intermetallic phases could easily be developed
crack sources during the compression test. The micropores caused by solid solution
treatment leaded to a sharp drop in mechanical properties and an oblivious increase of
porosity. The aging treatment could decrease porosity and reduce strike-like
intermetallic phases, resulting in the improvement of mechanical properties.
3. The more Zn concentration caused more large-size intermetallic phases and
resulted more severe micro-galvanic corrosion. The micropores caused by solid

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
solution treatment could promote the accumulation of Cl- and result in the severe
pitting corrosion and localized corrosion. The as-extruded Mg-6%Zn alloy imparted
by aging treatment with fine grain, a small quantity of strike-like intermetallic phases

RI
PT

and more uniform Zn distribution showed a better ability to keep the sample integrity
and the best corrosion resistance. The Mg(OH)2 was the main composition of
corrosion products and ZnO appeared with more Zn concentration.

SC

4. The results of In vitro cytotoxicity assessments on the as-extruded Mg-6%Zn

M
AN
U

alloy imparted by aging treatment showed that the cells were normal and healthy in
different extracts, which demonstrated its good biosafety. And the as-extruded
Mg-6%Zn alloy imparted by aging treatment can be considered for further

Acknowledgements

TE
D

investigations as an ideal biodegradable implant.

The authors acknowledge the Project (81472058) supported by the National Natural

EP

Science Foundation of China and The financial support of the 2015 ShanDong

AC
C

province project of outstanding subject talent group.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
References:
[1] M.P. Staiger, A.M. Pietak, J. Huadmai, G. Dias, Magnesium and its alloys as
orthopedic biomaterials: A review, Biomaterials 27 (2006) 1728-1734.

RI
PT

[2] B. Homayun, A. Afshar, Microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion


behavior and cytotoxicity of MgZnAlCa alloys as biodegradable materials, J.
Alloys Comp. 607 (2014) 1-10.

SC

[3] H.Y. Tok, E. Hamzah, H.R. Bakhsheshi-Rad, The role of bismuth on the

M
AN
U

microstructure and corrosion behavior of ternary Mg1.2Cax Bi alloys for biomedical


applications, Journal of Alloys & Compounds 640 (2015) 335-346.
[4] B. Heublein, R. Rohde, V. Kaese, M. Niemeyer, W. Hartung, A. Haverich,
Biocorrosion of magnesium alloys: a new principle in cardiovascular implant

TE
D

technology? Heart 89 (2003) 651-656.

[5] J.A. Helsen, H. Jrgen Breme, Metals as Biomaterials 1 (1998) 522.


[6] G. Song, Control of biodegradation of biocompatable magnesium alloys, Corros.

EP

Sci. 49 (2007) 1696-1701.

AC
C

[7] G. Song, S. Song, A Possible Biodegradable Magnesium Implant Material, Adv.


Eng. Mater. 9 (2007) 298-302.
[8] Y.F. Zheng, X.N. Gu, F. Witte, Biodegradable metals, Mater. Sci. Eng. R 77 (2014)
1-34.

[9] Lili, Xiaoming, Peng, Yang, Biodegradable Materials for Bone Repairs: A Review,
J. Mater. Sci. Technol 6 (2013) 503-513.
[10] F. Witte, N. Hort, C. Vogt, S. Cohen, K.U. Kainer, R. Willumeit, F. Feyerabend,

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Degradable biomaterials based on magnesium corrosion, Curr. Opin. Solid St. M. 12
(2008) 63-72.
[11] E. Zhang, D. Yin, L. Xu, L. Yang, K. Yang, Microstructure, mechanical and

application, Mater. Sci. Eng. C 29 (2009) 987-993.

RI
PT

corrosion properties and biocompatibility of MgZnMn alloys for biomedical

[12]F. Witte, J. Fischer, J. Nellesen, H.A. Crostack, V. Kaese, A. Pisch, F. Beckmann, H.

SC

Windhagen, In vitro and in vivo corrosion measurements of magnesium alloys,

M
AN
U

Biomaterials 27 (2006) 1013-1018.

[13] N.I.Z. Abidin, D. Martin, A. Atrens, Corrosion of high purity Mg, AZ91, ZE41 and
Mg2Zn0.2Mn in Hanks solution at room temperature, Corros. Sci. 53 (2011) 862-872.
[14] M. Aschner, T.R. Guilarte, J.S. Schneider, W. Zheng, Manganese: Recent advances

221 (2007) 131-147.

TE
D

in understanding its transport and neurotoxicity, Toxicology & Applied Pharmacology

[15] F. Feyerabend, J. Fischer, J. Holtz, F. Witte, R. Willumeit, H. Drcker, C. Vogt, N.

EP

Hort, Evaluation of short-term effects of rare earth and other elements used in

AC
C

magnesium alloys on primary cells and cell lines, Acta Biomater. 6 (2010) 1834-1842.
[16] E. Zhang, L. Yang, J. Xu, H. Chen, Microstructure, mechanical properties and
bio-corrosion properties of MgSi(Ca, Zn) alloy for biomedical application, Acta
Biomater. 6 (2010) 1756-1762.
[17] H. Haferkamp, F.W. Bach, V. Kaese, K. Mhwald, M. Niemeyer, H.
Schreckenberger, P.T. Tai. Magnesium Corrosion Processes, Protection of Anode and
Cathode, 2004.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
[18] X. Gu, Y. Zheng, Y. Cheng, S. Zhong, T. Xi, In vitro corrosion and
biocompatibility of binary magnesium alloys, Biomaterials 30 (2008) 484-498.
[19] S. Cai, T. Lei, N. Li, F. Feng, Effects of Zn on microstructure, mechanical

RI
PT

properties and corrosion behavior of MgZn alloys, Mater. Sci. Eng. A 32 (2012)
2570-2577.

[20] S. Zhang, X. Zhang, C. Zhao, J. Li, S. Yang, C. Xie, H. Tao, Z. Yan, Y. He, J. Yao,

SC

Research on an Mg-Zn alloy as a degradable biomaterial, Acta Biomater. 6 (2010)

M
AN
U

626-640.

[21]M. Carboneras, L.S. Hernndez, J.A.D. Valle, M.C. Garca-Alonso, M.L. Escudero,
Corrosion protection of different environmentally friendly coatings on powder
metallurgy magnesium, J. Alloys Comp. 496 (2010) 442-448.

TE
D

[22] K. Yu, L. Chen, J. Zhao, S. Li, Y. Dai, Q. Huang, Z. Yu, In vitro corrosion behavior
and in vivo biodegradation of biomedical -Ca(PO)/Mg-Zn composites, Acta
Biomater. 8 (2012) 2845-2855.

EP

[23] Y.M. Jin, A. Artemev, A.G. Khachaturyan, Three-dimensional phase field model of

AC
C

low-symmetry martensitic transformation in polycrystal: simulation of 2 martensite


in AuCd alloys, Acta Mater. 49 (2001) 2309-2320.
[24]A. Zomorodian, M.P. Garcia, T.M.E. Silva, J.C.S. Fernandes, M.H. Fernandes, M.F.
Montemor, Biofunctional composite coating architectures based on polycaprolactone
and

nanohydroxyapatite

for

controlled

corrosion

activity

and

enhanced

biocompatibility of magnesium AZ31 alloy, Mater. Sci. Eng. C 48 (2015) 434-443.


[25] Y.S. Jeong, W.J. Kim, Enhancement of mechanical properties and corrosion

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
resistance of MgCa alloys through microstructural refinement by indirect extrusion,
Corros. Sci. 82 (2014) 392-403.
[26] X.N. Gu, N. Li, Y.F. Zheng, L. Ruan, In vitro degradation performance and

RI
PT

biological response of a MgZnZr alloy, Mater. Sci. Eng. B 176 (2011) 1778-1784.
[27] G.B. Hamu, D. Eliezer, L. Wagner, The relation between severe plastic deformation
microstructure and corrosion behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy, J. Alloys Comp. 468

SC

(2009) 222-229.

M
AN
U

[28] D.J. Lin, F.Y. Hung, T.S. Lui, M.L. Yeh, Heat treatment mechanism and
biodegradable characteristics of ZAX1330 Mg alloy, Mater. Sci. Eng. C 51 (2015)
300-308.

[29] W. Zhou, T. Shen, N.N. Aung, Effect of heat treatment on corrosion behaviour of

TE
D

magnesium alloy AZ91D in simulated body fluid, Corros. Sci. 52 (2010) 1035-1041.
[30] H. Okamoto, Comment on Mg-Zn (magnesium-zinc), Journal of Phase Equilibria
15 (1994) 129-130.

EP

[31] P. Zioupos, R.B. Cook, J.R. Hutchinson, Some basic relationships between density

AC
C

values in cancellous and cortical bone, J. Biomech. 41 (2008) 1961-1968.


[32] I.A.B.O. American Society For Testing Materials, American Society for Testing
and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2004.
[33] X. Zhang, G. Yuan, J. Niu, P. Fu, W. Ding, Microstructure, mechanical properties,
biocorrosion behavior, and cytotoxicity of as-extruded MgNdZnZr alloy with
different extrusion ratios, J. Mech. Behav. Biomed. 9 (2012) 153-162.
[34] Z.S. Seyedraoufi, S. Mirdamadi, Synthesis. microstructure and mechanical

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
properties of porous Mg-Zn scaffolds. J. Mech. Behav. Biomed. 21 (2013) 1-8.
[35] J. apek, D. Vojtch, Properties of porous magnesium prepared by powder
metallurgy, Mater. Sci. Eng. C 33 (2013) 564-569.

solids, T. Nonferr. Metal. Soc. 24 (2014) 1-11.

RI
PT

[36] C.A.C. Sequeira, L. Amaral, Role of Kirkendall effect in diffusion processes in

[37] S.K. Das, Y.M. Kim, T.K. Ha, I.H. Jung, Investigation of anisotropic diffusion

SC

behavior of Zn in hcp Mg and interdiffusion coefficients of intermediate phases in the

M
AN
U

MgZn system, Calphad-computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams & Thermochemistry


42 (2013) 51-58.

[38] J.R. Davis, Handbook of materials for medical devices, Handbook of materials for
medical devices. Materials Park, OH: ASM International, 2006. pp. 136181.

TE
D

[39] H. Koelmans, J.J. Engelsman, P.S. Admiraal, Low-temperature phase transitions in


-Ca3(PO4)2 and related compounds, Journal of Physics & Chemistry of Solids 11
(1959) 172-173.

EP

[40] Queyreau, Sylvain, Monnet, Ghiath, Devincre, Benoit, Orowan strengthening and

AC
C

forest hardening superposition examined by dislocation dynamics simulations, Acta


Mater. 58 (2010) 5586-5595.
[41] M.I. Jamesh, G. Wu, Y. Zhao, D.R. Mckenzie, M.M.M. Bilek, P.K. Chu,
Electrochemical corrosion behavior of biodegradable MgYRE and MgZnZr alloys
in Ringers solution and simulated body fluid, Corros. Sci. 91 (2015) 160-184.
[42] R. Udhayan, D.P. Bhatt, On the corrosion behaviour of magnesium and its alloys
using electrochemical techniques, J. Power Sources 63 (1996) 103-107.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
[43] K. Aramaki, The inhibition effects of chromate-free, anion inhibitors on corrosion
of zinc in aerated 0.5 M NaCl, Corros. Sci. 43 (2001) 1573-1588.
[44] D. Persaudsharma, A. Mcgoron, Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys: A Review of

RI
PT

Material Development and Applications, Journal of Biomimetics Biomaterials &


Tissue Engineering 12 (2012) 25-39.

[45] H.Y. Ha, J.Y. Kang, J. Yang, D.Y. Chang, B.S. You, Limitations in the use of the

SC

potentiodynamic polarisation curves to investigate the effect of Zn on the corrosion

M
AN
U

behaviour of as-extruded MgZn binary alloy, Corros. Sci. 75 (2013) 426-433.


[46] H.R. Bakhsheshi-Rad, M.R. Abdul-Kadir, M.H. Idris, S. Farahany, Relationship
between the corrosion behavior and the thermal characteristics and microstructure of
Mg0.5Ca x Zn alloys, Corros. Sci. 64 (2012) 184-197.

TE
D

[47] H.R. Bakhsheshi-Rad, M.H. Idris, M.R. Abdul-Kadir, A. Ourdjini, M. Medraj, M.


Daroonparvar, E. Hamzah, Mechanical and bio-corrosion properties of quaternary

283-292.

EP

MgCaMnZn alloys compared with binary MgCa alloys, Mater. Design 53 (2014)

AC
C

[48] E. Baldoli, J.A.M. Maier, Silencing TRPM7 mimics the effects of magnesium
deficiency in human microvascular endothelial cells, Angiogenesis 15 (2012) 47-57.
[49] Y. Song, E.H. Han, D. Shan, D.Y. Chang, B.S. You, The effect of Zn concentration
on the corrosion behavior of Mg x Zn alloys, Corros. Sci. 65 (2012) 322-330.
[50] C. Zhao, F. Pan, S. Zhao, H. Pan, K. Song, A. Tang, Preparation and
characterization of as-extruded MgSn alloys for orthopedic applications, Mater.
Design 70 (2015) 60-67.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
[51] Y. Song, D. Shan, R. Chen, E.H. Han, Investigation of surface oxide film on
magnesium lithium alloy, J. Alloys Comp. 484 (2009) 585-590.
[52] C. N. Cao, Principles of Corrosion Electrochemistry, Chemical Industry Press,

RI
PT

Beijing, 2004.
[53] Z. Shi, G. Song, A. Atrens, Corrosion resistance of anodised single-phase Mg
alloys, Surf. Coat. Tech. 201 (2006) 492-503.

SC

[54] Y. Xin, P.K. Chu, In vitro studies of biomedical magnesium alloys in a simulated

M
AN
U

physiological environment: a review, Acta Biomater. 7 (2011) 1452-1459.


[55] N.T. Kirkland, J. Lespagnol, N. Birbilis, M.P. Staiger, A survey of bio-corrosion
rates of magnesium alloys, Corros. Sci. 52 (2009) 287-291.

[56] Y. Song, E.H. Han, D. Shan, D.Y. Chang, B.S. You, The role of second phases in

AC
C

EP

TE
D

the corrosion behavior of Mg5Zn alloy, Corros. Sci. 60 (2012) 238-245.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Table 1. The abbreviation of different state Mg-Zn alloys
Design component (wt. %)

State

E1

Mg-6%Zn

as-extruded

E2

Mg-14.5%Zn

as-extruded

E3

Mg-25.3%Zn

as-extruded

E4

Mg-40.3%Zn

as-extruded

E1-T4

Mg-6%Zn

E1+solid solution treatment at 450

SC

RI
PT

Abbreviation

for 12h

E1-T6

Mg-6%Zn

M
AN
U

followed by water quenching

E1+after solid solution treatment at 450

for 12h

followed by water quenching and then aging


treatment at 150

Mg-6%Zn

E1+aging treatment at 150

AC
C

EP

TE
D

E1-T5

for 24h
for 24h

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Table 2. Porosity and mechanical properties of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys
Porosity(%)

Density(g/cm3)

YS(MPa)

UCS(MPa)

Modulus(GPa)

Elongation(%)

E1

1.5

1.81

220.6

373.5

40.8

11.7

E1-T5

0.6

1.82

213.7

365.5

39.6

10.6

E1-T4

9.2

1.66

185.3

342.5

E1-T6

8.7

1.67

176.5

337.2

E2

1.8

1.92

239.5

396.3

E3

2.1

2.07

218.9

E4

2.4

2.60

bone[38,39]
Ti alloy[38,39]

7.68.3

AC
C

EP

steel[38]

TE
D

Stainless

4.44.5

8.8

36.1

8.2

43.1

10.4

41.3

11.5

354.6

38.6

12.5

130180

320

1.072.10

7581117

110117

480834

70230

SC

36.7

371.7

M
AN
U

1.82.1

Natural

RI
PT

Material

206.4

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Table 3. The corrosion parameters of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys from polarization curves
Sample

E4

E3

E2

E1-T4

E1-T6

E1

E1-T5

-1.464

-1.484

-1.501

-1.530

-1.523

-1.557

-1.542

Icorr (Acm-2)

132.2

80.3

54.2

19.9

17.3

15.9

9.3

Rp (kcm2)

37.3

55.4

86.2

217

RI
PT

Ecorr/V vs. SCE

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

SC

259.2

272.1

414.4

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

a
row elongated grains

fine equiaxed grains

RI
PT

coarse intermetallic phases

250m

250m

SC

coarse intermetallic phases

M
AN
U

coarse intermetallic phases

250m

250m

row elongated grains

TE
D

micropores

AC
C

EP

fine equiaxed grains

250m

250m

micropores

250m

Fig.1. Optical micrographs of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys: (a) E1, (b) E2, (c) E3, (d) E4, (e)
E1-T5, (f) E1-T4 and (g) E1-T6

SC

RI
PT

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.2. XRD patterns of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
a

MgZn

MgZn

B
C
A

F
G

AC
C

EP

TE
D

MgZn2

M
AN
U

MgZn

MgZn

SC

RI
PT

MgZn2

MgZn2

H
I

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

B
Element

Wt%

At%

MgK

28.44

52.40

ZnK

71.56

47.60

Element

Wt%

At%

MgK

27.76

50.81

ZnK

72.24

49.19

M
AN
U

SC

RI
PT

Wt%

MgK

16.43

ZnK

83.57

At%

Element

Wt%

At%

34.58

MgK

93.59

97.52

65.42

ZnK

06.41

02.48

AC
C

EP

Element

TE
D

Element

Wt%

At%

Element

Wt%

At%

MgK

29.18

52.56

MgK

17.33

36.05

ZnK

70.82

47.44

ZnK

82.67

63.95

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

H
Element

Wt%

At%

ZnK

100.00

100.00

Element

Wt%

At%

MgK

16.96

35.45

ZnK

83.04

64.55

RI
PT

J
At%

MgK

00.25

00.67

ZnK

99.75

99.33

Element

Wt%

SC

Wt%

At%

MgK

30.90

53.87

ZnK

69.10

46.13

M
AN
U

Element

AC
C

EP

TE
D

Fig.3. SEM micrographs and EDS analysis of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys: (a) E1, (b) E2,
(c) E3, (d) E4, (e) E1-T5, (f) E1-T4 and (g) E1-T6

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

11.6
11.2
10.8

10.0
9.6
9.2

E4
E3
E2
E1
E1-T5
E1-T4
E1-T6

8.8
8.4
8.0

20

40

60

SC

7.6

RI
PT

pH Value

10.4

80

100

Immersion time(h)

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.4. pH value variation of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys in Ringers solution for 96 hours

180

Volume of evolved H2(ml/cm )

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

160

120
100
80

RI
PT

E4
E3
E2
E1
E1-T5
E1-T4
E1-T6

140

60
40

20

40

60

SC

20
80

100

Immersion time(h)

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.5. Hydrogen evolution of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys in Ringers solution for 96 hours

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

1.1
1.0

0.8
E4
E3
E2
E1
E1-T5
E1-T4
E1-T6

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4

RI
PT

Remainder(%)

0.9

0.3

0.1

20

40

60

SC

0.2
80

100

Immersion time(h)

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.6. Remainder of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys in Ringers solution for 96 hours

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Mg
Mg(OH)2
ZnO

3200

E4

2400

E3

Intensity(A.U.)

2800

2000

E2
E1

1200

E1-T5

800

E1-T4
400

E1-T6
0

20

30

40

50

2(degree)

60

70

80

SC

10

RI
PT

1600

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.7. XRD patterns of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys after 72 h of immersion in Ringers
solution

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
a

b
A

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

SC

RI
PT

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

M
AN
U

SC

RI
PT

Wt%

At%

OK

48.65

59.77

MgK

48.48

39.11

ClK

01.02

00.56

ZnK

01.85

00.56

TE
D

Element

Element

Wt%

At%

OK
MgK

42.17
45.86

55.73
39.86

ClK

01.99

01.19

ZnK

09.98

03.23

AC
C

EP

Fig.8. Surface micrographs of the as-extruded MgZn alloys after 72 h of immersion in


Ringers solution: (a) E1, (b) E2, (c) E3, (d) E4, (e) E1-T5, (f) E1-T4, (g) E1-T6 and (e) EDS
analysis corresponding to surface area of E1-T5

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
b

EP
AC
C

TE
D

M
AN
U

SC

RI
PT

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

SC

RI
PT

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.9. SEM micrographs of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys with corrosion product removed
after 72 h of immersion: (a) E1, (b) E2, (c) E3, (d) E4, (e) E1-T5, (f) E1-T4 and (g) E1-T6

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

-2

Log i(A/cm )

-1

-3

RI
PT

E4
E3
E2
E1
E1-T5
E1-T4
E1-T6

-4
-5

-7
-1.8

-1.7

-1.6

-1.5

Potential(Vsce)

SC

-6

-1.4

-1.3

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.10. Potentiodynamic polarization curves of the as-extruded Mg-Zn alloys in Ringers


solution at 37 C

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

140
Negative
10% extract
50% extract
100% extract

120

80

RI
PT

RGR(%)

100

60
40

SC

20

incubating period (days)

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

Fig.11. RGRs of the L-929 cells cultured in different extracts of E1-T5. P < 0.05

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Highlights
The Mg-Zn alloys are prepared by powder metallurgy and then hot extruded.

The effects of Zn concentration and heat treatment on properties are investigated.

The Mg-Zn intermetallic phases are characterized and studied in detail.

The mechanical properties of the Mg-Zn alloys are suitable for bone implants.

The Mg-6%Zn alloy imparted by aging treatment shows the best corrosion

RI
PT

AC
C

EP

TE
D

M
AN
U

SC

resistance.

You might also like