Microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and extruded biomedical Mg-Zn-Y-Zr-Ca alloy at different temperatures

A type of biomedical magnesium alloy Mg-3Zn-1Y-0.6Zr-0.5Ca was cast and extruded at three extrusion temperatures of 270, 300 and 330 degrees C. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the cast and extruded alloys, tailored at different extrusion parameters, were investigated using tensile tests, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction. Optimum comprehensive mechanical properties are achieved in the alloy extruded at 270 degrees C, the ultimate tensile strength and the elongation reach 315 MPa and 26%, respectively, which is deemed to be associated with the grain refinement, weak basal texture and second phases strengthening. After hot extrusion, extensive dynamic recrystallization is found in the Mg-3Zn-1Y-0.6Zr-0.5Ca alloy. Continuous Mg3YZn6 phase bands are gradually broken into discontinuous chain-like or dot-like structures, and the grains distribute more uniformly. The as-extruded Mg-3Zn-1Y-0.6Zr-0.5Ca alloy exhibits a weak texture with (0001) basal planes parallel to the extrusion direction.