Comparative study of the effect of Nd and Y content on the mechanical and biodegradable properties of Mg-Zn-Zr-xNd/Y (x=0.5, 1, 2) alloys

Rare earth-containing biodegradable magnesium alloys have attracted many researchers attention due to their good mechanical property and degradation resistance. In this paper, comparative study of the effect of Nd and Y content on the mechanical and biodegradable properties of Mg-2Zn-0.5Zr-xRE alloys was carried out. The results showed that there are mainly alpha-Mg, Mg12Nd, T-phase ((MgZn)(92)Nd-8) and MgZn2 phase in Mg-2Zn-xNd-0.5Zr alloys. There were mainly alpha-Mg, l-phase, W-phase and MgZn2 phase in Mg-2Zn-xY-0.5Zr alloys. Minor addition of Nd could both improve the elongation (> 20%) of the alloys and decrease the galvanic corrosion between the matrix and the second phases. However, the addition of Y (1%) was beneficial in improving the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the Mg alloys. Minor addition of Y (0.5%) could also improve the degradation resistance of the alloys. The alloys with 0.5% Nd and 0.5% Y have great potential to be used as biomaterials.