Influence of ZrB2 additions on mechanical and chemical properties of biomedical magnesium alloys

This study shows for the first time the effect of adding ZrB 2 particles to magnesium alloys WE43 and ZK61 on sinterability, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. The powder mixtures of ZK61-10wt.%ZrB 2 and WE43-10wt.%ZrB 2 were sintered to a relative density of 95 % and 98 %, respectively. The dense composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The mechanical properties under compression conditions, and corrosion resistance using “ in-vitro ” test in Hank solution were studied. A mechanism of ZrB 2 particle migration through Y metal “bridges” into the grain body of WE43 alloy was proposed, which leads to improved sinterability of the WE43-10wt.%ZrB 2 composite and improved its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In general, adding ZrB 2 significantly enhanced WE43 compressive strength by 18 % and ZK61 by 17 % and reduced the corrosion rate by 46 % and 32 %, respectively. Fracture surface analysis showed that WE43-10wt.%ZrB 2 composite has transcrystalline fracture behavior. In contrast, the ZK61-10wt.%ZrB 2 composite has intercrystallite fracture behavior. The fracture behavior and corrosion resistance are substantiated regarding the material nature and microstructure developed during the SPS. • Improving the sinterability of WE43 alloy through ZrB2 migration during SPS • The addition of ZrB 2 enhanced WE43 compressive strength by 18 % and ZK61 by 17 % • Corrosion potentials of ZK61 (WE43) - ZrB 2 are -1.493 V and -1.424 V, respective