Study on Properties of Zn-xMg (x = 0.5, 0.8, 1) Alloys for Potential Stent Material

In this paper, pure Zn, as-cast and as-homogenized Zn- x Mg ( x = 0.5, 0.8, 1) alloys, and as-extruded Zn-0.8 Mg alloy were systematically studied. Microstructural analysis proved that the as-cast alloys were composed of Zn matrix, MgZn 2 phase and Mg 2 Zn 11 phase, while MgZn 2 phase dissolved into the matrix after homogenization heat treatment. Compared with the as-cast alloys, the grains of as-homogenized alloys became coarser with the decrease in hardness values. Finally, the Zn-0.8 Mg alloy with outstanding comprehensive performance was selected for hot extrusion processing, thus further refining the structure. Specifically, the comprehensive mechanical properties were much improved for as-extruded Zn-0.8 Mg alloy. However, the corrosion resistance of as-extruded Zn-0.8 Mg alloy reduced slightly.