Electrochemical properties of fine-grained AZ31 magnesium alloy

What is it about?

In his paper the beneficial effect of grain refinement by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) on corrosion resistance was demonstrated for the first time in an AZ31 magnesium alloy. The microstructure changes were correlated with electrochemical characteristics of the surface. ECAP was found to have significantly higher charge transfer resistance as compared to the squeeze-cast material.

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Why is it important?

Magnesium alloys have a potential to be used as biodegradable bone implants, nevertheless the corrosion rate is still too high. The increase in corrosion resistance by tayloring the microstructure could bring these materials closer to their application in medicine.