Influence of ageing treatment on microstructure, mechanical and bio-corrosion properties of Mg–Dy alloys

Mg–Dy alloys have shown to be promising for medical applications. In order to investigate the influence of ageing treatment on their mechanical and corrosion properties, three Mg–xDy alloys (x=10, 15, 20 wt%) were prepared. Their microstructure, mechanical and corrosion behavior were investigated. The results indicate that ageing at 250 °C has little influence on the mechanical and corrosion properties. In contrast, ageing at 200 °C significantly increases the yield strength, and reduces the ductility. After ageing at 200 °C, the corrosion rate of Mg–20Dy alloy increases largely in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, but remains unchanged in cell culture medium.