Significant Enhancement of Strength and Ductility in Bioresorbable Zn–0.1Mg Alloy via ECAP Processing

Zinc (Zn)-based alloys are considered promising bioresorbable materials for intracorporeal implants due to their good biocompatibility and suitable degradation rate in physiological environments. However, their broader application is hindered by insufficient mechanical properties, which are essentia...

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Main Authors: Iryna Cuperová, Martin Fujda, Róbert Kočiško, Patrik Petroušek, Zuzana Molčanová, Miloš Matvija, Róbert Džunda, Beáta Ballóková, Dávid Csík, Katarína Gáborová, Karel Saksl
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Inorganics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6740/13/6/193
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Summary:Zinc (Zn)-based alloys are considered promising bioresorbable materials for intracorporeal implants due to their good biocompatibility and suitable degradation rate in physiological environments. However, their broader application is hindered by insufficient mechanical properties, which are essential for fulfilling the therapeutic function of bioresorbable implants. This study investigates the effect of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Zn–0.1Mg (wt.%) alloy. The as-cast alloy, characterised by a coarse-grained microstructure with intermetallic phases at grain boundaries and low strength and ductility, was subjected to two passes of Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP). The intense plastic deformation transformed the coarse-grained structure into an ultrafine-grained solid solution matrix. This substantial microstructural refinement led to a significant enhancement in mechanical performance. The yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) more than doubled, reaching 198 MPa and 215 MPa, respectively. Remarkably, the elongation increased from 2.2% to 187% in tensile testing. These findings confirm the beneficial effect of grain refinement and dynamic recrystallisation on the mechanical behaviour of bioresorbable Zn–0.1Mg alloy and highlight the high potential of ECAP processing for optimising the mechanical properties of Zn-based biodegradable materials.
ISSN:2304-6740