Magnesium alloys have become attractive orthopedic biomaterials due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and congruent mechanical properties with bone tissues. However, mechanical behaviors of the magnesium alloys during manufacturing processes are very limited. This study focused on the determination of mechanical properties of the biomaterial at high strain rates and large strains by using a series of Split Hopkinson pressures bars testing. In addition, microstructure-property relationship of the biomaterial was also investigated using five different etchants. The measured stress-strain data of the magnesium alloy and optimal etchant for revealing mcirostrcutures are obtained for biomedical applications.

Keywords: mechanical behavior, microstructure, magnesium, biomaterial