Degradation behavior of MgZn2 and Mg2Zn3 intermetallic compounds in simulated body fluid

•Single-phase Mg2Zn3 and MgZn2 were successfully prepared.•The degradation properties of Mg2Zn3 and MgZn2 phases were investigated.•The mechanical properties of Mg2Zn3 and MgZn2 phases were investigated.•The corrosion potentials and current of Mg2Zn3 and MgZn2 itself were measured.•This paper is helpful to design new alloys using potential differences.