Effects of solution treatment on mechanical properties and degradation of Mg-2Zn-0.5Nd-0.5Zr alloy

Heat treatment is an effective method to reduce the degradation rate of biodegradable magnesium alloys, especially solution treatment. In this work, the effects of solution treatment on microstructure, mechanical properties and degradation behaviour of a Mg-2Zn-0.5Nd-0.5Zr alloy were investigated. The results showed that with increase of solution temperature, the grain size increased from 4-5 mu m for the untreated alloy to 25-30 mu m for the 550 degrees C treated alloy and the second phases were dissolved into the alloy matrix gradually. With increase of the temperature, both ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the alloy were decreased, while the elongation was increased. The alloy after 500 degrees C solution treatment exhibited the lowest degradation rate and showed a uniform degradation process.