Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Zinc Alloys through Severe Plastic Deformation Techniques

Abstract

Zinc-magnesium (Zn-Mg) alloys have emerged as promising candidates for biodegradable implants due to their excellent biocompatibility and controlled degradation rates. However, their limited mechanical properties often hinder their practical applications. In this study, hydrostatic extrusion (HE) and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) were employed to enhance the microstructure and mechanical properties of a Zn-1%Mg alloy. The effects of these severe plastic deformation techniques on grain size, dislocation density, and tensile properties were investigated. The results demonstrated that both HE and ECAP significantly refined the microstructure, leading to substantial increases in strength and ductility. The enhanced mechanical properties were attributed to the synergistic effects of grain boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening mechanisms. Furthermore, the study suggests that HE-processed and ECAP-processed Zn-Mg alloys have the potential to be used in various biomedical applications, such as biodegradable stents and orthopedic implants.