Microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological behavior of a novel low-alloy high strength Mg–2Zn-0.5Zr-0.5Nd alloy

Abstract A novel low-alloy high strength biodegradable Mg–2Zn-0.5Zr-0.5Nd alloy was fabricated through indirect extrusion under the extrusion ratio of 16:1, speed of 0.5 mm/s and temperature of 300 °C. The alloy exhibited good mechanical properties with tensile yield strength (TYS) of 353 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 362 MPa and elongation to failure (EL) of 15.3%. In addition, the coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.15 and wear rate of 3.9 × 10−3 mm3 N−1 m−1 in Hank's solution were obtained.