Abstract
ZK30 magnesium alloy shows great potential for usage in biomedical implants; however, the only setback to the alloys' usage is their corrosion properties. For that end, extruded ZK30 billets were processed through equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) for up to four passes of route Bc. Finite element (FE) analysis was used to study the deformation behavior of the ZK30 billets during processing. The alloy's microstructural evolution was monitored through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The corrosion behavior of the ZK30 alloy was studied before and after ECAP processing. Vicker's microhardness distribution along the longitudinal and transverse sections was evaluated and correlated to the EBSD findings. FE simulation displayed a fairly homogenous distribution of the plastic strain along both the longitudinal and transverse sections after processing through 4-Bc. Furthermore, ECAP processing via 4-Bc resulted in a significant decrease of 92.7% and 94% in the average grain size and corrosion rate, respectively, compared to the as-annealed condition. On the other hand, Vicker's microhardness finding revealed a fairly homogenous distribution along both the longitudinal and transverse sections recording a significant increase of 96% compared to the AA counterpart after 4-Bc passes. Accordingly, the corrosion and hardness findings conclude that ECAPed ZK30 alloys are a viable option, endorsing further research into the alloys, for usage in biodegradable implants, and they show great potential for usage in the industry.