Microstructural, mechanical, and in vitro corrosion properties of biodegradable Mg-Ag alloys

In this study, casting, extrusion, biocorrosion, and corrosive wear properties of 0.5 wt. % (Zn, Ca, and Nd) element added Mg-3 wt. % Ag alloys were investigated. According to the test results, it was observed that the grain refinement occurred with the effect of Zn and Ca element additions in the as-cast alloys and thus some mechanical properties of the alloys improved. Similarly, the extrusion process provided grain refinement and improved mechanical properties. As a result of in vitro corrosion tests, similar results were also obtained in the as-cast alloys, while this situation became more apparent in the extruded alloys and exhibited more homogeneous corrosion properties. In the corrosive wear tests, the wear rate of the extruded alloys generally showed a decreasing trend. However, both the as-cast and extruded Mg-3 wt. %Ag-0.5 wt. % Ca alloys exhibited the lowest wear rate.