Influence of heat treatment on microstructure, mechanical and corrosion behavior of WE43 alloy fabricated by laser-beam powder bed fusion

Highlights WE43 parts with favorable forming quality are fabricated by laser-beam powder bed fusion and the interaction between laser beam and powder is revealed. After suitable heat treatment, the anisotropic microstructure is eliminated, with nano-scaled Mg 24 Y 5 particles homogeneously precipitated. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength are improved to (250.2 ± 3.5) MPa and (312 ± 3.7) MPa, respectively, while the elongation still maintains at high level of 15.2%. Homogenized microstructure inhibits the micro galvanic corrosion and promotes the development of passivation film, thus decreasing the degradation rate by an order of magnitude. The porous WE43 scaffolds offer a favorable environment for cell growth.