Improvement of corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of rare-earth WE43 magnesium alloy by neodymium self-ion implantation

•Nd self-ion implantation produces a smooth and hydrophobic surface on rare-earth WE43 Mg alloy.•The implanted layer is composed of mainly Nd2O3 and MgO.•Degradation is significantly retarded in simulated body fluids and cell culture medium.•The Nd-implanted WE43 alloy exhibits remarkably enhanced cell adhesion and biocompatibility.

Without introducing extraneous elements, a small amount of Nd is introduced into rare-earth WE43 magnesium alloy by ion implantation. The surface composition, morphology, polarization, and electrochemical properties, as well as weight loss, pH, and leached ion concentrations after immersion, are systematically evaluated to determine the corrosion behavior. The cell adhesion and viability are also determined to evaluate the biological response in vitro. A relatively smooth and hydrophobic surface layer composed of mainly Nd2O3 and MgO is produced and degradation of WE43 is significantly retarded. Furthermore, significantly enhanced cell adhesion and excellent biocompatibility are observed after Nd self-ion implantation.