Effects of Fe concentration on microstructure and corrosion of Mg-6Al-1Zn-xFe alloys for fracturing balls applications.

• The Mg-6Al-1Zn-xFe (x = 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7, wt.%) alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy and hot extrusion. • The heat treatment somewhat decreased the corrosion rates whilst improved mechanical properties. • The Mg-6Al-1Zn-xFe alloys with high degradation rate and suitable compressive strength can be applied in fracturing balls. Mg-6Al-1Zn-xFe (x = 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt%) alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy and followed by hot extrusion. Majority of Fe element exists as insoluble particles in the alloys. The as-extruded alloys showed higher degradable rates but less stable mechanical properties than as-annealed alloys. Corrosion rate of all the alloys increased with increasing Fe concentration, reaching 2.4 mL cm⁻² h^-1. 0.2% yield strength of all the alloys was higher than 150 MPa. In short, Mg-6Al-1Zn-xFe alloys have an attractive combination of corrosion and mechanical properties, which holds a bright future for fracturing balls applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]