Novel Biodegradable Zn-Base Alloys for Biomedical Applications

Zn-base alloys have been recognized as promising biodegradable materials for structural biomedical applications thanks to their good biocompatibility and lower corrosion rate compared to Mg alloys. However, pure Zn has poor mechanical properties, and several strategies are adopted in order to improve them. In this study, novel biodegradable Zn-base alloys, for biodegradable stent applications, have been designed by adding different amount of non-toxic elements (Ag and Mn). The alloys were hot extruded at 250 ℃ and subsequently annealed at 410 ℃ for 6 h. The effect of alloying elements and heat treatment are discussed in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties.