Corrosion performance and mechanical properties of sputter-deposited MgY and MgGd alloys

•Corrosion rates did not change much with Y and Gd alloying content.•Corrosion rates of solid solution alloys can be comparable with that of HP Mg.•Strengthening was ascribed to solid solution strengthening or short-range order.

Films of MgY and MgGd alloys were deposited on silicon wafers by magnetron sputtering. The microstructure, crystal structure and mechanical properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile testing. Corrosion was evaluated for immersion in 3.5% NaCl solution saturated with Mg(OH)2. TEM, SEM and XRD indicated that the alloys were single phase. There was no significant change of corrosion rate with alloy content. The strength increased with alloying content, and ductility decreased concomitantly. Strengthening was consistent with solid solution strengthening or short-range order.