ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOURS OF Mg-4Zn-3Sn CAST ALLOY MODIFIED BY Ti ION IMPLANTATION

Abstract

Mg possesses good combinations of mechanical strength and ductility, which has become a good candidate for biodegradable material. However, its low corrosion resistance is an intriguing property for bio-application. Results show that some metals such as Sn , Zn and Ti are bio-compatible and can be tolerated in the human body. In this study, Ti + ions were implanted into the subsurface of Mg - Sn - Zn alloys by ion implantation technology. The concentrations of Ti + ions were selected as 2 % and 5 %, respectively. The morphologies of as-implanted surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Dynamic polarization analysis together with immersion tests in simulated body fluid were performed to study the anticorrosion properties of implanted alloys. The results show that Ti atoms can be successfully implanted into Mg alloy to pre-selected concentration and depth casing the increase of the corrosion potential. Specific results are discussed highlighting the opportunity of changing corrosion properties of Mg alloy by ion implantation.