Corrosion behaviour and cytocompatibility of selected binary magnesium-rare earth alloys

The corrosion behaviour of as-cast binary Mg–0.3 Ce,Mg–1.44 Nd,Mg–0.63 Gd and Mg–0.41 Dy(wt%)alloys was investigated in DMEM+10%FBS solution using electrochemical and weight loss tests.The results revealed that the alloys with heavy RE elements(Gd and Dy)exhibited the lowest corrosion rate compared to the alloys with light RE elements(Ce and Nd).The cytocompatibility of the Mg–RE alloys was assessed via live/dead straining after 3 and 7 days.The results show that Mg–0.63 Gd alloy is a suitable candidate for biomedical applications.

Role of multi-microalloying by rare earth elements in ductilization of magnesium alloys

The present work investigates the influences of microalloying with rare earths on the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys.The amount of each rare earth element is controlled below 0.4 wt.%in order not to increase the cost of alloy largely.The synergic effects from the multi-microalloying with rare earths on the mechanical properties are explored.The obtained results show that the as-cast magnesium alloys multi-microalloying with rare earths possesses a quite high ductility with a tensile strain up to 25-30%at room temperature.Moreover,these alloys exhibit much better corrosion resistance than AZ31 alloy.The preliminary in situ neutron diffractions on the deformation of these alloys indicate that the multi-microalloying with rare earths seems to be beneficial for the activation of more slip systems.The deformation becomes more homogeneous and the resultant textures after deformation are weakened.

Effect of rare earth additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloys

In order to meet the demands of high temperature components in automobile, the microstructure and mechanical properties of several new die-casting AZ91-rare earth (RE) magnesium alloys were studied. The alloys were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scan electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), tensile and creep tests. The results show that Ce addition has little effect on the mechanical properties of AZ91 alloy at high temperature, while Y and Nd addition play important role in the improvement of creep resistance. New alloys containing Y or Nd with excellent high temperature performance are selected to produce cylinder head cover of high power diesel engine of Red Flag car and oil pan of Besturn car. The new magnesium alloys with RE addition for die-casting have potential to produce power-train parts, and can greatly decrease weight.

Unexpected formation of hydrides in heavy rare earth containing magnesium alloys

Mg–RE(Dy,Gd,Y)alloys show promising for being developed as biodegradable medical applications.It is found that the hydride REH_(2) could be formed on the surface of samples during their preparations with water cleaning.The amount of formed hydrides in Mg–RE alloys is affected by the content of RE and heat treatments.It increases with the increment of RE content.On the surface of the alloy with T4 treatment the amount of formed hydride REH_(2) is higher.In contrast,the amount of REH2 is lower on the surfaces of as-cast and T6-treated alloys.Their formation mechanism is attributed to the surface reaction of Mg–RE alloys with water.The part of RE in solid solution in Mg matrix plays an important role in influencing the formation of hydrides.

Preparation of RE-containing magnesium alloys via molten-salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction

RE-containing magnesium alloys were prepared via molten-salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction by using RE_(2)O_(3)(RE=Y,Nd and Gd)and Mg metal as raw materials.The thermomechanical analysis of the magnesiothermic reduction reactions in molten salt was investigated.Then the molten-salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction process was studied from three different perspectives.After that,the RE-containing magnesium alloy was characterized by using chemical analysis,XRD analysis and SEM analysis.The magnesiothermic reduction was a liquid-liquid reaction with relatively weak driving force.During the melting process and the magnesiothermic reduction process,magnesium metal and the obtained alloy went up and down as a whole in molten salt,which improved the process safety without introducing chloride inclusions.Meanwhile,the hydrolysis of the RECl_(3^(-))containing molten salt occurred at elevated temperature,which severely impeded the magnesiothermic reduction process.After the magnesiothermic reduction at 750°C for 2.0 h,the content of RE and the common impurity elements in the obtained RE-containing alloy met the both requirements of the commercial WE43A and WE43B.

Effects of Ho on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr magnesium alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr alloys have been investigated in detail. The grain size of the as-cast Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr alloy was greatly decreased by the addition of Ho, and the grain growth during solution treatment was suppressed by Mg-Zn-Ho phases formed at grain boundaries. These thermally stable Mg-Zn-Ho phases could not completely dissolve into the matrix dur- ing solution treatment, and the strengthening effect of solution-plus-ageing treatment weakened. The addition of Ho can greatly enhance the high-temperature elongation of the Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr alloy, but the increase of high-temperature tensile strength was just a little.

Biomedical rare-earth magnesium alloy:Current status and future prospects

Biomedical magnesium(Mg)alloys have garnered significant attention because of their unique biodegradability,favorable biocompatibility,and suitable mechanical properties.The incorporation of rare earth(RE)elements,with their distinct physical and chemical properties,has greatly contributed to enhancing the mechanical performance,degradation behavior,and biological performance of biomedical Mg alloys.Currently,a series of RE-Mg alloys are being designed and investigated for orthopedic implants and cardiovascular stents,achieving substantial and encouraging research progress.In this work,a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art in biomedical RE-Mg alloys is provided.The physiological effects and design standards of RE elements in biomedical Mg alloys are discussed.Particularly,the degradation behavior and mechanical properties,including their underlying action are studied in-depth.Furthermore,the preparation techniques and current application status of RE-Mg alloys are reviewed.Finally,we address the ongoing challenges and propose future prospects to guide the development of high-performance biomedical Mg-RE alloys.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformation in rare earth–magnesium alloys:A critical review

Magnesium and its alloys are significant superior metallic materials for structural components in automobile and aerospace industries due to their excellent physicomechanical properties.The Mg–rare earth(RE)systems have attracted great interests because RE additions can improve both the deformability and the strength of Mg alloys through solid solution strengthening and precipitation hardening mechanisms.This paper focuses on the interface stability,together with thermodynamics and kinetics of nucleation and growth of the key phases and matrix phases in Mg–RE alloys.In this paper,the theory and recent advances on Mg–RE alloys,especially for the interface stability,thermodynamics and kinetics of nucleation and growth of the key phases and matrix phases,together with their relationships with micro-structures,and macroscopic properties,are reviewed.By combining the thermodynamics/kinetics integrated simulations with various advanced experimental techniques,“reverse”design of Mg–RE alloys starting from the target service performance is put forward as a kind of scientific paradigm with rational design.

Impact of scandium and terbium on the mechanical properties,corrosion behavior,and biocompatibility of biodegradable Mg-Zn-Zr-Mn alloys

Magnesium(Mg)-based bone implants degrade rapidly in the physiological environment of the human body which affects their structural integrity and biocompatibility before adequate bone repair.Rare earth elements(REEs)have demonstrated their effectiveness in tailoring the corrosion and mechanical behavior of Mg alloys.This study methodically investigated the impacts of scandium(Sc)and terbium(Tb)in tailoring the corrosion resistance,mechanical properties,and biocompatibility of Mg–0.5Zn–0.35Zr–0.15Mn(MZZM)alloys fabricated via casting and hot extrusion.Results indicate that addition of Sc and Tb improved the strength of MZZM alloys via grain size reduction and solid solution strengthening mechanisms.The extruded MZZM–(1–2)Sc–(1–2)Tb(wt.%)alloys exhibit compressive strengths within the range of 336–405 MPa,surpassing the minimum required strength of 200 MPa for bone implants by a significant margin.Potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed low corrosion rates of as–cast MZZM(0.25 mm/y),MZZM–2Tb(0.45 mm/y),MZZM–1Sc–1Tb(0.18 mm/y),and MZZM–1Sc–2Tb(0.64 mm/y),and extruded MZZM(0.17 mm/y),MZZM–1Sc(0.15 mm/y),MZZM-2Sc(0.45 mm/y),MZZM-1Tb(0.17 mm/y),MZZM-2Tb(0.10 mm/y),MZZM–1Sc-1Tb(0.14 mm/y),MZZM-1Sc-2Tb(0.40 mm/y),and MZZM–2Sc–2Tb(0.51 mm/y)alloys,which were found lower compared to corrosion rate of high-purity Mg(~1.0 mm/y)reported in the literature.Furthermore,addition of Sc,or Tb,or Sc and Tb to MZZM alloys did not adversely affect the viability of SaOS2 cells,but enhanced their initial cell attachment,proliferation,and spreading shown via polygonal shapes and filipodia.This study emphasizes the benefits of incorporating Sc and Tb elements in MZZM alloys,as they effectively enhance corrosion resistance,mechanical properties,and biocompatibility simultaneously.

A Comparison of Corrosion Behavior in Saline Environment: Rare Earth Metals (Y, Nd, Gd, Dy) for Alloying of Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys

Rare earth （RE） metals are widely used as the alloying implants. However, corrosion behavior of pure RE elements in biodegradable magnesium alloys as medical metals not only in physiological media but also in chlorinated saline environment is not well understood. In the present work, the RE metals Y, Nd, Gd and Dy are selected to investigate their corrosion behavior in 0.1 mol/L NaCI solution with immersion and electrochemistry techniques. As indicated, corrosion of the currently investigated RE metals is promoted in the order of Dy, Y, Gd and Nd. In terms of electrochemical response, such a sequence correlates with the increased impedance and the decreased corrosion rate （CR）. These RE metals manifest weak ability for passivation in the native surface. Then, reaction with aqueous solution easily happens through the anodic dissolution and cathodic hydrogen evolution. The corrosion products, RE（OH）3, adhered on the surface of RE metals, do not have an appreciable power to resist the reaction proceeding with corrosive chloride ions. In contrast to pure Mg, the RE metals, including Y, Nd, Gd and Dy, exhibit significantly fragile corrosion resistance in saline media. Therefore, with the curr correlation of corrosion resistance between RE-contain ent findings, it is impossible to reveal a well-defined ng Mg alloy and RE metal itself

Study on Rare Earth-Containing Phases in TiAl Based Alloys Prepared by Non-Equilibrium Solidification Processing

Microstructure evolution of rare earth rich phase of rapidly-solidified (RS) TiAl based alloys was investigated. The two rapid-solidification techniques employed are melt-spinning technique (MS) and Hammer-and-Anvil technique (HB). MS ribbons and HA foils were obtained in the experiment. The results demonstrate that with the increasing of cooling rates of TiAl based alloys great changes are taken place in the microstructures of rare earth rich phase, from scattering mainly on grain boundaries of as-cast ingot to distributing homogeneously as very fine fibers or powders (nanometer grade) on the matrix. The fine paralleling second phase fibers in the HA foils are considered to be connected with gamma/alpha (2) lamellar colonies. Selected area electronic diffraction (SAED) patterns of the rare earth rich phase is in accordance with that of intermetallic AlCe.

Development and characteristics of a low rare-earth containing magnesium alloy with high strength-ductility synergy

In this study,we successfully developed a low RE containing Mg-3Y-2Gd-1Nd-0.5Zr(wt%)alloy with high strength-ductility synergy by combined processes of hot extrusion,hot rolling and ageing.This alloy exhibits an excellent strength-ductility balance(UTS of 345±2.0 MPa,TYS of 301±5.0 MPa and EL of 9.2±1.9%),which is better than that of many Mg-RE wrought alloys with higher RE concentration and even comparable to that of 6061 Al wrought alloy.A long-range chain-like structure consisting ofβphase,βH phase,βM phase and zig-zag atomic columns is observed for the first time in the studied alloy.The combined process of hot extrusion and hot rolling boosts the formation of deformed grains and low angle grain boundaries,and makes the deformed grains dominate in the alloy strengthening.Under this circumstance,the following ageing generates a novel heterogeneous structure comprising the long-range chain-like structure with broad interparticle spacing and the spacious precipitate-free zones in the deformed grains,which plays a key role in the concurrent strengthening and toughening of the alloy.The present study demonstrates that the deformed grains with long-range chain-like structures and precipitate-free zones is desirable microstructure for the low RE containing Mg alloys to achieve high strength-ductility synergy.

Corrosion protection of magnesium alloys anode by cerium-based anodization coating in magnesium-ait battery

CeN_(3)O_(9)·6H_(2)O(0.5,1.0,1.5,and 2.0 g/L)was added into an 8.0%NaCl electrolyte solution to investigate this electrolyte for use in a Mg-air battery.The effects of the amount of CeN_(3)O_(9)-6H_(2)O on the corrosion resistance of an AZ31 Mg alloy anode and battery performance were investigated using microstructure,electrochemical(dynamic potential polarization method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy),and battery measurements.The re sults show that the addition of CeN_(3)O_(9)·6H_(2)O to the electrolyte leads to the formation of a Ce(OH)_(3)protective film on the surface of the AZ31 Mg alloy that improves the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy.An increase in the concentration of CeN_(3)O_(9)·6H_(2)O results in a denser Ce(OH)_(3)protective film and decreases corrosion rate of the AZ31 Mg alloy.When the concentration of CeN_(3)O_(9)·6H_(2)O is 1.0 g/L,the corrosion rate of the Mg alloy is the lowest with a corrosion inhibition rate of70.4%.However,the corrosion rate increases due to the dissolution of the Ce(OH)_(3)protective film when the concentration of CeN_(3)O_(9)-6H_(2)O is greater than 1.0 g/L.Immersing the Mg alloy in the electrolyte solution containing CeN_(3)O_(9)-6H_(2)O for 50 h leads to the formation of the Ce(HO)_(3)protective film on its surface,which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy of the AZ31 alloy.The Mg^(2+)charge transfer resistance increases by 69.5Ωfrom the equivalent circuit diagram,which improves the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy.The discharge performance of CeN_(3)O_(9)·6H_(2)O improves according to a discharge test,and the discharge time increases by 40 min.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a cast heat-resistant rare-earth magnesium alloy

Microstructure,mechanical properties and phase transformation of a heat-resistant rare-earth(RE)Mg-16.1Gd-3.5Nd-0.38Zn-0.26Zr-0.15Y(wt.%)alloy were investigated.The as-cast alloy is composed of equiaxedα-Mg matrix,net-shaped Mg5RE and Zr-rich phases.According to aging hardening curves and tensile properties variation,the optimized condition of solution treatment at 520℃for 8 h and subsequent aging at 204℃for 12 h was selected.The continuous secondary Mg5RE phase predominantly formed at grain boundaries during solidification transforms to residual discontinuousβ-Mg5RE phase and fine cuboid REH2particles after heat treatment.The annealed alloy exhibits good comprehensive tensile property at 350℃,with ultimate tensile strength of 153 MPa and elongation to fracture of 6.9%.Segregation of RE elements and eventually RE-rich precipitation at grain boundaries are responsible for the high strength at elevated temperature.

Phase Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Rare Earth Based Hydrogen Storage Alloys

The rare earth based hydrogen storage alloys MmxM1 1 - x ( Ni3.55 Co0.75 Mn0.4 A10.3 ) ( x = 0 ～ 0.5 ) were investigated in this work.Adjusted Ml: Mm ratio to change the content of La,Ce,Pr and Nd in the alloys and then to change the phase structure, the influences of phase structure on the electrochemical properties were analyzed.The results indicate that the main phase of all alloys is LaNi5 with CaCu5 type structure and the crystal lattices constants of LaNi5 are changed with increasing x value, i.e, decreased a-axis, increased c-axis and axis ratio and nonlinear decreased crystal volume.The crystal volume of the alloy with x = 0.3 is larger than others.There is second phase A1LaNi4 in alloys when x≥0.3, which decrease the discharge capacity, but increase the cycling stability and high rate discharge ability.Compared comprehensively, the alloy with x = 0.3 shows the higher discharge capacity and the better cycling stability.

TEM STUDIES OF THE W PHASE AND ITS ORDERED W'PHASE IN RARE EARTH Mg ALLOYS

By means of transmission electron microscopy（TEM）,the W phase and its ordered W’phase in as-cast Mg-Zn-Zr-Y system alloys were studied.The W phase,which distributes alongthe grain boundaries in the form of a lamellar eutectoid with Mg,is of FCC structure with α=0.865 nm.The W’phase,which is an ordered structure of the W phase with α=2.055 nm,was found in the alloy with lower Y content.The W and W’phases have a simple orientationrelationship of（100）W//（100）W’,（010）W//（010）W’,and（001）W//（001）W;but they do nothave an orientation relationship with the α-Mg matrix.The results of convergent electroncliffractions（CBD）on these phases show that their point group is m3m and that the space group isFm3m.

Study on Phase Structure and PCT Characteristics of Rare Earth Based Hydrogen Storage Alloys

The rare earth based hydrogen storage alloys Mm_xMl_ 1-xNi_ 3.55Co_ 0.75Mn_ 0.4Al_ 0.3(x=0～0.50) were investigated in this work. The influences of phase structure on the PCT characteristics were analyzed by means of electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that there is a strict relationship between crystal volume and PCT characteristics.

Growth process and corrosion resistance of ceramic coatings of micro-arc oxidation on Mg-Gd-Y magnesium alloys

The regulation of ceramic coating formed by micro-arc oxidation on Mg-11Gd-1Y-0.5Zn (wt.%) magnesium alloys was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The relation of phase structure and corrosion resistance of MgO coating formed by micro-arc oxidation in different growth stages was analyzed. The results showed that the growth of coating accorded with linear regularity in the initial stage of micro-arc oxidation, which was the stage of anodic oxidation controlled ...

Microstructure,tensile and creep properties of as-cast Mg-3.8Zn-2.2C_(a-x)Ce(x=0,0.5,1 and 2 wt.%) magnesium alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-3.8Zn-2.2Ca alloy with different Ce contents were investigated by both optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, tensile and creep tests. The results indi-cated that adding 0.41 wt.%-1.83 wt.% Ce could refine the grains of the alloy, and the grain size gradually decreased as the Ce content in-creased. Furthermore, addition of either 0.41 wt.% or 0.89 wt.% Ce caused the morphology of the Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase to change partially from semi-continuous block to discrete fine particles. However, after adding 1.83 wt.% Ce, portions of the Ca2Mg6Zn3 and Mg12Ce phases were mixed and this Ca2Mg6Zn3＋Mg12Ce eutectic changed to a different coarse semi-continuous morphology. In addition, addition of 0.41 wt.%-1.83 wt.% Ce improved the tensile and creep properties of the alloy. Amongst these Ce-containing alloys, the alloy with 0.89 wt.% Ce exhibited the best ultimate tensile strength and elongation while the alloy with 1.83 wt.% Ce had the best yield strength and creep properties.

Effect of yttrium,calcium and zirconium on ignition-proof principle and mechanical properties of magnesium alloys

Good ignition-proof principle and mechanical properties were realized in Mg-Y-Ca-Zr alloy system.By adding Y and Ca elements,the ignition point of Mg-3.5Y-0.8Ca alloy was improved to over 1173 K,and the alloy could be melted in air without any protections.The ef-fect of Zr addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-3.5Y-0.8Ca alloys were investigated,and Mg-3.5%Y-0.8%Ca-0.4%Zr alloy had good comprehensive properties with tensile strength of 190 MPa and elongation of 11%.Auger electron spectros-copy（AES） and X-ray diffraction（XRD） analysis revealed that the oxide film formed on the surface of Mg-3.5Y-0.8Ca alloy was mainly composed of Y2O3.Thermogravimetric measurements in dry air indicated that the oxidation dynamics curves measured at 773,873 and 973 K followed the cubic law.Moreover,the semiconductor characteristic of Y2O3 film and its effect on ignition-proof properties of Magnesium al-loys were discussed from the viewpoint of electrochemistry.