Effects of Ag, Cu or Ca addition on microstructure and comprehensive properties of biodegradable Zn-0.8Mn alloy.

Zn-0.8Mn (in wt%) alloy with good ductility is used for design of novel Zn-0.8Mn-0.4x (x = Ag, Cu or Ca) alloys. Hot extrusion not only eliminates brittleness of the as-cast alloys but also significantly improves their strengths. Among them, Zn-0.8Mn-0.4Ca exhibits the highest strength, Zn-0.8Mn-0.4Ag exhibits the highest ductility, but Zn-0.8Mn-0.4Cu exhibits the best combination of strength and ductility. The minor addition of Ag, Cu or Ca accelerates alloy degradation in simulated body fluid. However, Cu addition much improves in vitro biocompatibility and endows antibacterial ability of Escherichia coli. Overall, Zn-0.8Mn-0.4Cu alloy has the best comprehensive properties.