Microstructure, mechanical properties, in vitro degradation behavior and hemocompatibility of novel Zn–Mg–Sr alloys as biodegradable metals

The microstructure, mechanical properties, in vitro degradation behavior and hemocompatibility of novel Zn–1Mg–0.1Sr and Zn–1Mg–0.5Sr (wt%) ternary alloys were evaluated with pure Zn as control. The results indicated that Zn–Mg–Sr alloys exhibited much higher yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), hardness and corrosion rate than those of pure Zn. But their elongation and hemolysis rates were reduced. Furthermore, the hot-rolled Zn–1Mg–0.1Sr alloy presented the superior mechanics performance (196.84±13.20MPa, 300.08±6.09MPa, 22.49±2.52%, 104.31±10.18 for YS, UTS, Elongation and hardness, respectively), appropriate corrosion rate (0.15±0.05mm/year) and excellent hemocompatibility (hematolysis rate of 1.10±0.2% and no signs of thrombogenicity), showing a preferable candidate as the biodegradable implant material. •Zn–1Mg–0.1Sr and Zn–1Mg–0.5Sr as biodegradable metal were fabricated and evaluated.•Zn–Mg–Sr alloys showed higher YS, UTS, hardness and corrosion rate than pure Zn.•The elongation and hemolysis rates of the Zn–Mg–Sr alloys were reduced.•Zn–1Mg–0.1Sr presented a promising biodegradable implant material after rolling.