Zn-Mn-Mg alloy was prepared by melting, and its microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties were evaluated. The alloy’s performance in simulated body fluids was assessed to explore the corrosion mechanism. The purpose of this study is to identify biodegradable zinc alloys with moderate corrosion rate, good mechanical properties, antibacterial effects and low cytotoxicity, offering guidance for future medical applications.
Zn-0.5Mn-xMg alloys were prepared with different Mg contents by melting method and metallographic observation X-ray diffraction. Its microstructure and mechanical properties were analyzed through tensile testing and hardness testing; the corrosion behavior was characterized by immersion weight loss experiment (scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometer), traditional electrochemical methods and scanning Kelvin probe. Finally, the antibacterial performance and cytotoxicity of the alloy were evaluated.
The addition of trace Mg improved the mechanical properties of Zn-Mn alloy. The synergistic effect of Mg2+ and Mn2+ enhanced the alloy’s antibacterial performance and biocompatibility, though the corrosion rate slightly increased. Based on the analysis, Zn-0.5Mn-0.1Mg alloy shows the best overall performance and great potential for medical degradable alloy applications.
This paper has designed and prepared a new type of zinc alloy with excellent mechanical properties, degradation performance and biocompatibility. In the future, it is expected to become a new type of biodegradable alloy material that can be applied.
