Degradation, wettability and surface characteristics of laser surface modified Mg-Zn-Gd-Nd alloy

This work evaluates the effects of laser surface modification on Mg-Zn-Gd-Nd alloy which is a potential biodegradable material for temporary bone implant applications. The laser surface melted (LSM) samples were investigated for microstructure, wettability, surface hardness and in vitro degradation. The microstructural study was carried out using scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM, TEM) and the phases present were analyzed using X-ray diffraction. The in vitro degradation behaviour was assessed in hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) by immersion corrosion technique and the effect of LSM process parameters on the wettability was analyzed through contact angle measurements. The microstructural examination showed remarkable grain refinement as well as uniform redistribution of intermetallic phases throughout the matrix after LSM. These microstructural changes increased the hardness of LSM samples with an increase in energy density. The wetting behaviour of processed samples showed hydrophilic nature when processed at lower (12.5 and 17.5 J/mm²) and intermediate energy density (22.5 and 25 J/mm²), which can potentially improve cell-materials interaction. The corrosion rate of as cast Mg-Zn-Gd-Nd alloy decreased by ~83% due to LSM.