Plastic anisotropy and compressive deformation behavior of Zinc prepared by sintering using fine particles

In recent years, Zn can potentially be applied as biomaterials owing to its excellent biocompatibility and biocorrosion resistance. However, Zn has poor strength and large plastic anisotropy due to its hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure. In this study, to increase the strength and plastic isotropy, fine-grained Zn polycrystal was produced by spark plasma sintering from Zn fine particles prepared by arc plasma method. Yield strength and the plastic anisotropy of the sintered Zn were evaluated by compression tests and Vickers indentation. The yield strength of the sintered Zn was significantly higher than the as-cast Zn. Moreover, the plastic anisotropy of the sintered Zn was small because of its fine grain and random texture.