Microstructure, corrosion rate, and mechanical properties of unidirectionally and cross-rolled Mg-0.375Ga and Mg-0.750Ga alloys

The effect of unidirectional and cross rolling on the corrosion rate, texture, tensile properties and hemolysis of the Mg-0.375Ga and Mg-0.750Ga alloys was evaluated. Pure Mg and as-cast alloys were processed by unidirectional and cross rolling at 400°C to obtain a total thickness reduction of 50%. The corrosion rate was measured by the weight loss method in simulated body fluid. Determination of the hemolysis percentage was carried out by direct contact of specimens with diluted blood. After hot rolling, the mechanical properties of the alloys were improved. The cross-rolled Mg-0.750Ga alloy showed the highest grain refinement (55 μm) and the highest ultimate tensile strength (240 MPa), however, lower elongation (13.9%) than the rolled Mg-0.375Ga alloy. While unidirectional rolling creates a strong basal texture, cross rolling weakens considerably this texture. The Ga addition weakens the basal texture. Corrosion rate of the Mg-Ga alloys was significantly reduced (<1 mm/yr) after heat treatment and hot rolling due the homogenization of the microstructure and the presence of gallium as alloying element. The cross-rolled samples showed higher corrosion than the heat-treated and unidirectionally rolled samples. After rolling, alloys showed hemolysis percentages between 7.1 and 9.3%, values lower than those presented by pure magnesium (>22.7%) and as-cast alloys (>24.2%); however, the alloys are still hemolytic (>5%).