Preparation of a single-phase Mg–6Zn alloy via ECAP-stimulated solution treatment

Abstract The solution of the intermetallic phase and the homogenization of composition are important for Mg alloy biomaterials. A single-phase Mg–6Zn alloy with the average grain size of about 20 µm was prepared by ECAP processed for six passes at 320 °C. It indicated that the ECAP could significantly promote the process of solid solution in Mg–Zn alloy. The results showed that complete dissolution of the intermetallic phase improved the corrosion resistance of Mg–6Zn alloy in 0.9% NaCl solution by turning the corrosion behavior into uniform corrosion and increased the hardness in combination with its smaller grain size.