Design and characterizations of novel biodegradable Zn-Cu-Mg alloys for potential biodegradable implants

Zn-3Cu-xMg (x = 0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 wt.%) alloys were developed as potential biodegradable metallic materials in this study. The mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and in vitro cytocompatibility of Zn-3Cu-xMg alloys were studied systematically to evaluate the feasibility as biodegradable implant materials. The secondary phase in as-cast and as-extruded Zn-3Cu alloy was CuZn5 phase. Mg2Zn11 phase newly formed and precipitated by Mg addition. The volume fraction of Mg2Zn11 phase increased gradually with increasing Mg concentration. As a result, yield strength was improved from 213.7 to 426.7 MPa and increased by 99.7% while elongation decreased from 47.1% to 0.9%. Besides, biocompatibility was improved apparently and in vitro corrosion rates increased from 11.4 to 43.2 mu m year(-1), which is more suitable for clinic application. The present research indicated that the newly developed alloys could be promising candidates for biomedical use due to the proper mechanical properties, degradation rate and acceptable biocompatibility. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.