Exploring the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of innovative bioabsorbable Zn-Mg-(Si) alloys fabricated via powder metallurgy techniques

Zinc alloys belong to the widely studied materials for applications like medical devices, however, they often encounter an inappropriate combination of mechanical/corrosion/biological properties. In this respect, we produced the Zn-1Mg and Zn-1Mg-1Si containing biologically friendly elements with potential strengthening effects on zinc matrix by powder metallurgy methods including mechanical alloying, spark plasma sintering, and extrusion further enabling the formation of materials with unique extremely fine-grained microstructures. The systematic study of these materials showed the possibility of reaching homogeneous nano -grain microstructure and high strength values exceeding 450 MPa in tension. Selected chemical composition and processing methods led also to slightly decreased wear and corrosion rates and rather uniform corrosion.