Developing Zn-MgO composites for degradable implant applications by powder metallurgy route

•Zn-MgO (1, 2 and 3 wt%) composites were produced by powder metallurgy route.•Decreased gain size and increased hardness was measured for the composites.•Lower degradation was observed for the composites in simulated body fluids. Zinc (Zn) - magnesium oxide composites (0, 1, 2, and 3 % MgO) were produced through the powder metallurgy route for degradable bone implant applications. Grain size was measured as marginally decreased with the increased percentage of MgO in the composites due to the addition of MgO that reduced the grain growth during sintering. Higher hardness was measured for Zn-2%MgO compared with all other combinations. Degradation studies carried out in simulated body fluid demonstrated lower weight loss for the composites with 1% and 2% MgO. Hence, addition of MgO up to 2% is suggested to achieve better mechanical properties and optimum degradation to develop Zn based biomedical implants.