Effect of hydroxyapatite on the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Mg-Zn-Y alloy

Mg-Zn-Y alloys with a long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase are potential candidates for biodegradable implants; however, an unfavorable degradation rate has limited their applications. Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been shown to enhance the corrosion resistance of Mg alloys. In this study, Mg₉₇Zn₁Y₂-0.5 wt% HA composite was synthesized and solution treated at 500 °C for 10 h. The corrosion behavior of the composite was studied by electrochemical and immersion tests, while the mechanical properties were investigated by a tensile test. Addition of HA particles improves the corrosion resistance of Mg₉₇Zn₁Y₂ alloy without sacrificing tensile strength. The improved corrosion resistance is due to the formation of a compact Ca-P surface layer and a decrease of the volume fraction of the LPSO phase, both resulting from the addition of HA. After solution-treatment, the corrosion resistance of the composite decreases. This is due to the formation of a more extended LPSO phase, which weakens its role as a corrosion barrier in protecting the Mg matrix.