Improved bio-acceptability of thermomechanically processed ZM21 magnesium alloy

ZM21 alloy has been one of the most suitable candidate materials for implant owing to its bio-compatibility properties. However, the rapid corrosion of ZM21 alloy has been an issue questioning its adaptability in bio-implant applications. In the present study, an effort was taken to address this issue by optimising the thermo-mechanical process on the ZM21 alloy. ZM21 magnesium alloy was subjected to varying temperatures hot rolling (250, 300 and 350 °C) with 75% reduction followed by subsequent short annealing at 200 °C for 10 min In-vitro tests and tensile test were performed to determine the bio-corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties of the thermomechanically processed ZM21 alloys. These results converged to a recommendation that ZM21 rolled at 350 °C and subsequent short annealing at 200 °C exhibits the best bio-corrosion resistance and biocompatibility owing to the effect of its coarser grain structure and lesser twin density than those obtained with other parameters.