The effects of tantalum ion implantation on the corrosion resistance, wear resistance and friction coefficient on Al-10% Mg alloys used in molds by the jelly food industry in China were investigated. The experimental results showed that the electrochemical passivation zone of the Al-Mg alloy specimens subjected to a citric acid solution was enlarged by tantalum ion implantation when the tantalum ion dose was more than 3.77 x 10(17) ions/cm(2). The hardness of implanted surface was elevated from 60 to 110 HV. The friction coefficient between the implanted surface and stainless steel was decreased from more than 1-0.33. Results obtained by X-ray photoetectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy revealed the formation of a new Ta2O5 phase in the implanted layer. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.