A novel biodegradable Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy with uniform corrosion behavior in artificial plasma

Magnesium alloys have been currently investigated as potential biodegradable implant materials. In this study, a patent Mg alloy Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr (Jiao Da BioMg, hereafter, denoted as JDBM) was researched as a potential biodegradable stent material in comparison with the clinical trial Mg alloy WE43. The corrosion behaviors of the as-extruded JDBM and WE43 were investigated in artificial plasma by in vitro degradation measurements and cyclic polarization tests. The results showed that the corrosion rate of JDBM was much lower than that of WE43 alloy. Most importantly, the JDBM alloy showed a uniform corrosion behavior in artificial plasma, which could avoid stress concentration as well as a rapid reduction in the mechanical integrity. The investigations indicated that the as-extruded JDBM alloy may be a promising implant material suitable for stent applications.

► Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy (denoted as JDBM) showed lower corrosion resistance compared with WE43
► JDBM showed very favorable uniform corrosion behavior in artificial plasma.
► The uniform corrosion mechanism was discussed from an electrochemical viewpoint.