In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles are incorporated on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to reinforce Mg–3Zn–1Mn alloy (ZM31 alloy) by semi-powder metallurgy, followed by hot extrusion, with the purpose of improving the mechanical and biological properties of Mg-based alloy. The microstructural analysis of the nanocomposites indicated a reduction in grain size of Mg alloy with the incorporation of CNTs with a maximum reduction of 61% (ZM31/CNTs), with further reduction in grain size (68%) detected when MgO integrated CNTs composites (ZM31/MgO-CNTs). The compression characteristics of the composites indicate an increase in ultimate compressive strength of 36% and 44%, respectively, with the incorporation of CNTs and MgO-CNTs fillers, and the hardness of Mg alloy increases by 37% and 58%, respectively, with the incorporation of CNTs and MgO-CNTs fillers. The strengthening mechanisms of Mg alloy composites reinforced with MgO-CNTs were discussed. Furthermore, MgO bounded CNTs fillers decelerated the degradation rate of Mg-based alloys, whereas the introduction of CNTs to Mg alloy had a less significant effect. Besides, the ZM31/MgO-CNTs composite indicated superior cytocompatibility because of its lower corrosion rates. According to the overall results, the outstanding mechanical performance, appropriate corrosion characteristics, and good cytocompatibility of the ZM31/MgO-CNTs composites verified their potential in medical fields.
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