Friction stir processing–induced microstructure refinement enhances corrosion resistance of ZE52 magnesium alloy in simulated physiological environment
Journal
Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Journal Volume
1057
Start Page
186706
ISSN
09258388
Date Issued
2026-03-05
Author(s)
Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising biodegradable orthopedic implants due to their bone-like mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but rapid degradation remains a major obstacle. In this study, friction stir processing (FSP) with different traverse speeds was applied to a ZE52 Mg alloy to tailor its microstructure and improve corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF). FSP refined coarse grains of the base material into fine equiaxed structures, fragmented and homogenized secondary phases, and increased the solid solubility of alloying elements in the α-Mg matrix. Electrochemical tests showed that the polarization resistance increased from 346.6 Ω·cm2 (BM) to 914.1 Ω·cm2 (FSP 1200–200), while the corrosion current density decreased by nearly one order of magnitude. Long-term immersion confirmed delayed pH rise and reduced corrosion depth. These results demonstrate that FSP is an effective strategy to enhance the corrosion performance of ZE52 Mg alloys, providing valuable insights for the development of biodegradable orthopedic implants.
Subjects
Biodegradable implants
Corrosion resistance
Friction stir processing (FSP)
Magnesium alloys
Microstructure refinement
Rare earth elements
ZE52
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Type
journal article