Biodegradable Mg–Zn–Y alloys with long-period stacking ordered structure: Optimization for mechanical properties

To optimize the mechanical properties for biodegradable orthopedic implant, microstructures and tensile properties of Mg–Zn–Y alloys containing long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase were investigated. For the as-cast Mg100−3x(Zn1Y2)x (1≤x≤3) alloys, volume fraction of 18R LPSO phase increases with increasing the contents of Zn and Y. Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy exhibits the optimal combination of strength and plasticity. Substitution of bioactive element Ca for Y in the Mg97Zn1Y2 does not favor the formation of LPSO phase, but involving the formation of Mg2Ca phase. By micro-alloying with Zr as grain refinement agent, morphology of α-Mg in the Mg96.83Zn1Y2Zr0.17 alloy is changed into the equiaxial shape, together with a significant refinement in grain size to 30 μm. It brings about an improvement not only in strength but also in plasticity, in contrast to the Zr-free alloy. In comparison with the as-cast state, warm-extruded alloys manifest significantly improved properties not only in strength but also in plasticity due to the refinement of α-Mg grain by dynamic recrystallization and the alignment of LPSO phase along extrusion direction.